Reviving Chipotle: Overcoming Outbreak Impact and Rebranding

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Chipotle Mexican Grill requires a beginning to bring back consumers to begin buying meals again. Chipotle underwent a decline in revenue due to a recent outbreak of E. coli in at numerous sites. The E. coli outbreak caused restaurants to discontinue operations thus forcing loyal consumers to eat at other establishments (Choi, 2015).
Due to a recent outbreak of E. coli throughout Chipotle’s Mexican Grill stores, sales are plummeting as much as 25 percent (Choi, 2015). Illness expanded over nine states with 52 reported illness and decreased sales Chipotle a resolution to rebrand their image to attract customers and boost sales in 2016.
The aim is for Chipotle Mexican Grill to become more profitable in 2016, two factors must be considered, …show more content…

By increasing customer retention and satisfaction Chipotle will bring existing customers back and should drive new customers to try the brand. Upon the return of consumers, the brand will grow in profitability again. Chipotle Mexican Grill’s target customer is primarily millennials; more particularly millennials between the ages of 20-24 that are on the go, who are looking for fresher healthier quick order meals. (Schoultz).
The message that Chipotle would like to send their audience is that the brand is still committed to fresh produce that is natural, organic and locally grown. Since this is the message that Chipotle sends to the brand’s consumers already, the brand would also like to focus on new higher standards that build Chipotle’s promise of integrity to its customers.
(Millenial Target: Chipotle has fresh appeal, 2016).
Currently, due to the E. coli outbreak consumers are doubtful and uncertain about returning to Chipotle in fear they may become sick due to E. coli. E. coli is caused by food mishandling or poor food products; consumers are beginning to feel as if the brand’s “fresh and healthier” image is not what meets the …show more content…

20-24 years want a food experience that they feel is not just convenient but also safe to eat and healthy for their body.
The best way to persuade the consumer to purchase Chipotle products is for the company to advertise to their target audience their commitment to the integrity of the food they are preparing. One way to do so is to advertise in stores their food and safety inspections. Another way to do so is to advertise their commitment to clean stores and fresh produce.
Chipotle would like to remain in line with their current marketing plan with clean and little flash advertising. Slogans like “Farmed Friendly” and Chipotle’s logo stamped on the right-hand corner is their main marketing ploy. This would be the best approach to stay consistent with Chipotle’s image to remain in touch with their millennial target audience. The message should convey “Clean Food + Clean Stores = Safe Eating,” to show the consumers the food they are eating is good for them, plus the stores are taking precaution to provide safe food prep which will give me a safe eating experience.
A solid message must be offered at the onset of 2016 allowing for consumers to have confidence that the commitment to safe eating is the reality for

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