Local and international fast food joints have increased in the recent past. This has led to both healthy and unhealthy competition, creating fair prices as well as a variety of menu items. With features including minimal table service as well as the take-away food menu, these joints provide affordable and fast food, which is a plus in the current fast world. Among the most common internationally-recognized fast-food chains include chipotle, KFC and McDonald’s.

What is Chipotle?

With a specialty in burritos and tacos, Chipotle Mexican Grill, often referred to as Chipotle is a fast-casual chain of restaurants based in Canada, the United States, Germany, the United Nations, and France. It was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells and now enjoys massive growth, with more than 2000 restaurants, over 45,000 employees and a revenue of $US 3.9 billion in 2016. It has its headquarters in Newport Beach, California.

Its menu consists of customizable quesadillas, tacos, bowls, salads, and burritos. However, the prices are based on the choice of pork carnitas, chicken, steak, barbacoa and vegetarian and other additions such as guacamole, cheese, rice, salsa, beans, and lettuce. Chipotle is a kid-friendly restaurant as it offers a children’s menu. Among drinks available at the restaurant include soft drinks, margaritas, beer and fruit drinks. It’s well known for fresh food, with minimal microwave ovens, can openers and freezers. Most food is hence prepared at the restaurant.

What is McDonald’s?

Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, this is an American fast-food company offering a wide variety of menu items. With its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois in the United States, it’s the world’s largest fast-food chain, with more than 37, 855 establishments in over 100 countries.

Although popular for its cheese fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, the chain features other products including desserts, milkshakes, soft drinks, breakfast items, and healthier options including salads, fruits, fish and smoothies. It is a public company and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

Similarities between Chipotle and McDonald’s

• Both are public companies
• Both trade on the New York Stock Exchange

Differences between chipotle and McDonald’s

Founders

Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells in 1993. On the other hand, McDonald’s was founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940.

Industry

While Chipotle is classified in the fast-casual industry, McDonald’s is classified in the restaurants’ industry.

Headquarters

Chipotle has its headquarters in Newport Beach, California while McDonald’s has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Menu

Chipotle has a customizable menu consisting of quesadillas, tacos, bowls, salads, and burritos. However, the prices are based on the choice of pork carnitas, chicken, steak, barbacoa and vegetarian and other additions such as guacamole, cheese, rice, salsa, beans, and lettuce. On the other hand, McDonald’s is popular for its cheese fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers. It also features other products including desserts, milkshakes, soft drinks, breakfast items, and healthier options including salads, fruits, fish and smoothies.

Pricing

While Chipotle is pricier, McDonald’s is less pricey.

Areas served

Chipotle is based in Canada, the United States, Germany, the United Nations, and France. On the other hand, McDonald’s has worldwide locations. 

Revenue

Chipotle has lower revenues with revenue of US$3.9 billion as of 2016. On the other hand, McDonald’s has larger revenues with revenue of US$21.025 billion as of 2018.

Chipotle vs. McDonald’s: Comparison Table

Summary of Chipotle vs. McDonald’s

Chipotle is classified in the fast-casual industry. It has a customizable menu consisting of quesadillas, tacos, bowls, salads, and burritos. However, the prices are based on the choice of pork carnitas, chicken, steak, barbacoa and vegetarian and other additions such as guacamole, cheese, rice, salsa, beans, and lettuce.

On the other hand, McDonald’s is classified in the restaurants’ industry. It is popular for its cheese fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers. It also features other products including desserts, milkshakes, soft drinks, breakfast items, and healthier options including salads, fruits, fish and smoothies. Despite these differences, both Chipotle and McDonalds remain key players in the fast-food industry.

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