Steve Ells facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Ells
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| Born | September 12, 1965 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Colorado at Boulder (B.A.) Culinary Institute of America |
| Years active | 1993–2020 |
| Known for | Founding Chipotle Mexican Grill |
Steve Ells was born on September 12, 1965. He is an American businessman best known for starting Chipotle Mexican Grill. Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle restaurant in 1993. Under his leadership, Chipotle became famous for using "naturally raised meat" and supporting sustainable agriculture. This means they tried to get their food from farms that are good for the environment.
On November 29, 2017, Chipotle announced that Steve Ells would step down as the main boss, called CEO. They wanted to find a new CEO who was good at helping companies improve. Steve Ells stayed on as the executive chairman until March 6, 2020, when he left the company completely.
Early Life and Education
Steve Ells was born in Indianapolis on September 12, 1965. His father worked as a pharmaceutical executive. He went to Boulder High School and then the University of Colorado at Boulder. There, he earned a degree in Art History.
After college, Ells decided to study cooking. He went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He finished his cooking studies in 1990.
Starting Chipotle Mexican Grill
Before starting Chipotle, Steve Ells worked as a sous chef (a chef who is second-in-command) for two years. He worked at a restaurant called Stars in San Francisco.
In 1993, Steve Ells had an idea for a new kind of taco restaurant. He borrowed $85,000 from his family and friends to open his first Chipotle. This first restaurant was in Denver, Colorado, near the University of Denver campus.
Steve Ells was the main leader, or CEO, of Chipotle from 1993 until 2009. For a few years, he shared the CEO job with another person, Monty Moran. Ells became the only CEO again in December 2016.
In 2010, Steve Ells was a judge and investor on an NBC TV show called America's Next Great Restaurant. On the show, people competed to create the best new restaurant idea.
Chipotle announced on November 29, 2017, that Steve Ells would leave his role as CEO. He then served as the executive chairman. He also helped look for a new CEO. Brian Niccol became the new CEO of Chipotle in February 2018. Steve Ells officially left Chipotle in March 2020.
