Chipotle abandons Farmesa Fresh Eatery spinoff after ghost kitchen closes

Chipotle Mexican Grill is discontinuing its Farmesa Fresh Eatery spinoff after the closure of its ghost kitchen partner, Kitchen United. Chipotle had opened its first Farmesa location over a year ago at Kitchen United’s Santa Monica site. The ghost kitchen closed in February due to financial difficulties. Chipotle has no plans to open a standalone Farmesa version but will continue to explore the brand within its innovation lab. The company’s primary focus is on its own brand, both domestically and internationally. Chipotle reported higher-than-expected first-quarter earnings and revenue. Ghost kitchens gained popularity during the pandemic but have faced challenges as dine-in options return.