Chipotle continues to push the fast casual space into new territory with the debut of walk-up windows and the expansion of its drive-up 'Chipotlanes.'
Chipotle's new walk-up windows first appeared at a Chicago location on December 19th. The walk-up windows are designed to work in tandem with mobile app orders by giving customers a dedicated space to collect their food. Two additional walk-up windows are also being tested in Cincinnati and Phoenix, suggesting that they might become a feature of future Chipotle store designs.
In addition to the walk-up windows, Chipotle is also expanding its Chipotlanes, which are "quick-service style car lanes designed for fetching online orders." According to CEO Brian Niccol, there may be as many as 60 Chipotlanes by the end of the year.
Walk-Up Fast Casual Windows
Chipotle's New Walk-Up Windows are Changing the Pick-Up Experience
Trend Themes
1. Walk-up Fast Casual Windows - Chipotle's walk-up windows provide a convenient pick-up experience for customers, allowing for seamless integration of mobile app orders.
2. Expansion of Chipotlanes - Chipotle's Chipotlanes offer a quick-service car lane option for online orders, increasing efficiency and convenience for customers.
3. Integration of Mobile App Orders - Chipotle's focus on walk-up windows and Chipotlanes highlights the trend of integrating mobile app ordering systems to streamline the customer experience.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Casual Restaurants - Fast casual restaurants like Chipotle can embrace walk-up windows and Chipotlanes to improve customer service and increase operational efficiency.
2. Mobile App Development - The expansion of walk-up windows and Chipotlanes creates opportunities for mobile app developers to create seamless ordering and pick-up experiences for food establishments.
3. Fast Food Drive-thru - The rise of Chipotlanes poses disruption opportunities for traditional fast food drive-thrus to adopt similar quick-service car lane models for online order pick-up.