Steve Ells
| Steve Ells | |
|---|---|
| Born |
September 12, 1965 Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Education | Boulder High School |
| Alma mater |
University of Colorado at Boulder (B.A.) Culinary Institute of America |
| Known for | Founding Chipotle Mexican Grill |
Steve Ells (born September 12, 1965)[1] is the founder, Co-CEO, and Chairman of Chipotle Mexican Grill. Ells founded Chipotle in 1993,[1] and under his direction,[2] committed the restaurant to serve only naturally raised meat and to promote sustainable agriculture.[3]
Early life
Ells was born in Indianapolis, the son of a pharmaceutical executive.[4] He attended Boulder High School, the University of Colorado at Boulder (receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History) and Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, graduating in 1990.[5]
Career
Ells served for two years as a sous chef under Jeremiah Tower[6] at Stars restaurant in San Francisco prior to launching Chipotle[1][7] and now sits on the board of directors of the Land Institute.[1] He borrowed money from family and friends to open the first Chipotle.[8]
We decided long ago that we didn't want Chipotle's success to be tied to the exploitation of animals, farmers, or the environment, but the engagement of our customers.—Steve Ells[9]
Ells was named Rocky Mountain News Business Person of the Year, 2005.[citation needed] In 2007, Ells received the CEO of the Year Award from ColoradoBiz magazine.[10]
In 2010, Ells joined the judging and investment panel on NBC's series America's Next Great Restaurant alongside Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone and Lorena Garcia.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Steve Ells Profile". Forbes.
- ↑ "Chipotle: Fast Food with 'Integrity'". Business Week, February 16, 2007.
- ↑ "2007 CEO of the year Chipotle's Steve Ells pursues fast-casual perfection". Colorado Business Magazine, Mike Taylor.
- ↑ "Fine Fast Food". Time Magazine, Steve Ells. September 21, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2010.
- ↑ "Chipotle founder had big dreams". Rocky Mountain News, Rachel Brand, Dec 23, 2006.
- ↑ "Steve Ells Profile". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Marlene Parrish, June 04, 2007.
- ↑ Mclaughlin, Katy (April 29, 2006). "The Next Big Flavor". The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2006, Katie McLaughlin.
- ↑ "The Top 10 Best Borrowed Sums in Business History". Kabbage.
- ↑ "Eat a Burrito, Help a Family Farm.". Business Wire 8/28/2007, Denver.
- ↑ "2007 CEO of the year: Chipotle's Steve Ells pursues fast-casual perfection.". Entrepreneur.com, Mike Taylor, Dec, 2007.
- ↑ "Curtis Stone and Two Others Join Bobby Flay Restaurant Series". TVGuide.com.