NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (CNS) - Chipotle Mexican Grill will host a "Coast To Coast Career Day" on Thursday, with plans to hire 15,000 new workers for its restaurants across the United States, the Newport Beach-based company announced Monday.
Although the pandemic has resulted in lost business for many companies, Chipotle officials said their model has allowed them to expand, ending 2020 with nearly 11,000 internal promotions and the possible addition of about 200 new restaurants coming soon.
"We are fortunate to be experiencing growth during this unique time and want to safely provide an opportunity for purpose-driven individuals to join us on our mission of cultivating a better world," said Marissa Andrada, Chipotle's chief diversity, inclusion and people officer.
That could be welcome news to some of those who are out of work due to the pandemic -- with an unemployment rate of 8.2% in California as of November, compared to 3.9% the year prior.
Company officials noted that 70% of their restaurant general managers having worked their way up through internal promotions. Additionally, Chipotle covered more than $13 million in college tuition costs and paid out $40 million in bonuses and assistance pay for its restaurant employees last year, according to the company.
Chipotle's benefits program includes a bonus that allows employees the opportunity to earn an extra month's worth of pay each year; access to mental health care and English as a second language courses for employees and their families; tuition reimbursement and debt-free college degrees; and free meals.
Those interested in the Jan. 14 hiring fair are required to register in advance online to reserve an interview time at a participating local restaurant. Interviews will be conducted from 8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, including mandatory masks and social distancing. Candidates should visit CoastToCoastCareerDay.com.
Chipotle, founded in Colorado by Steve Ells in 1993, has more than 2,700 restaurants and 94,000 employees in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its locations.
