Steve Ells

Steve Ells
Born (1966-09-12) September 12, 1966
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Alma mater University of Colorado at Boulder (B.A.)
Culinary Institute of America
Known for Founding Chipotle Mexican Grill (with Chef Felix)
Net worth US$400 million

Steve Ells (born September 12, 1966)[1] is an American businessman. He is the founder, Co-CEO, and Chairman of Chipotle Mexican Grill. Ells founded Chipotle in 1993[1] and under his direction[2] the chain serves what it describes as "naturally raised meat" and promotes 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]

In 2007, Ells received the CEO of the Year Award from ColoradoBiz magazine.[3]

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.[10]

Controversy

Ells has received criticism over his salary. In 2013, The New York Times reported he was paid $25.1 million, more than equivalent executives in companies like Ford, Boeing, and AT&T.[11] By the early 2010s, Ells and his co-chief, Montgomery Moran, were paid more than $300 million. In May 2014 shareholders rejected a plan to further the executives' wages.[12]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Steve Ells Profile". Chipotle Mexican Grill.
  2. ↑ "Chipotle: Fast Food with 'Integrity'". Business Week, February 16, 2007.
  3. 1 2 "2007 CEO of the year Chipotle's Steve Ells pursues fast-casual perfection". Colorado Business Magazine, Mike Taylor.
  4. ↑ "Fine Fast Food". Time Magazine, Steve Ells. September 21, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Chipotle founder had big dreams". Rocky Mountain News, Rachel Brand, Dec 23, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Steve Ells Profile". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Marlene Parrish, June 04, 2007.
  7. ↑ Mclaughlin, Katy (April 29, 2006). "The Next Big Flavor". The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2006, Katie McLaughlin.
  8. ↑ "The Top 10 Best Borrowed Sums in Business History". Kabbage. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  9. ↑ "Eat a Burrito, Help a Family Farm.". Business Wire 8/28/2007, Denver. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  10. ↑ "Curtis Stone and Two Others Join Bobby Flay Restaurant Series". TVGuide.com.
  11. ↑ Gelles, David (May 14, 2014). "Soaring Earnings of Chipotle's 2 Bosses Raise Investor Unease". The New York Times.
  12. ↑ Gelles, David (May 15, 2014). "Investors Reject Chipotle Chiefs' Pay Plan". The New York Times.

External links

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