Steve Ells facts for kids

Steve Ells, born on September 12, 1965, is an American businessman. He is best known as the person who started Chipotle Mexican Grill. He was also the company's first chief executive officer (CEO) and later its executive chairman. Steve Ells started Chipotle in 1993. Under his leadership, Chipotle became known for serving "naturally raised meat" and supporting farming methods that are good for the environment.

On November 29, 2017, Chipotle announced that Steve Ells would step down as CEO. The company looked for a new CEO who could help improve the business. Ells then served as the executive chairman. Brian Niccol became the new CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill in February 2018. On March 6, 2020, Steve Ells left his role as chairman and also left the company's board of directors. This marked his final departure from Chipotle.

Early Life and Education

Steve Ells was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 12, 1965. His father worked as a pharmaceutical executive. Steve went to Boulder High School and then attended the University of Colorado at Boulder. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. He was also a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. After college, Ells studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He graduated from this cooking school in 1990.

Starting Chipotle Mexican Grill

Before starting Chipotle, Steve Ells worked as a sous chef for two years. He worked under a famous chef named Jeremiah Tower at the Stars restaurant in San Francisco. After this experience, Ells decided to open his own restaurant.

In 1993, he opened a taco restaurant in Denver, Colorado. It was near the University of Denver campus. He borrowed $85,000 from his family and friends to start this first Chipotle location. Steve Ells was the CEO of Chipotle from 1993 until 2009. At that time, he shared the CEO duties with Monty Moran. Ells returned as the only CEO on December 12, 2016, after Moran retired. In 2007, Steve Ells received the CEO of the Year Award from ColoradoBiz magazine. He also used to be on the board of directors for The Land Institute, an organization focused on sustainable agriculture.

Other Ventures and Departure from Chipotle

In 2010, Steve Ells appeared on an NBC television show called America's Next Great Restaurant. He was one of the judges and investors on the show. Other famous chefs like Bobby Flay and Curtis Stone were also on the panel. Ells had not watched much reality television before this experience.

As mentioned earlier, Chipotle announced on November 29, 2017, that Ells would step down as CEO. The company was looking for a new leader with "turnaround expertise" to help improve the business. After a new CEO was appointed, Ells served as the executive chairman. He was also part of the committee that searched for the new CEO. Steve Ells officially left Chipotle in March 2020.