Chipotle has announced a minority investment in two companies: Brassica, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain, and Lumachain, an artificial intelligence supply chain platform. This investment is part of Chipotle’s $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund, which aims to support businesses aligned with its sustainability goals.
In a press release, Chipotle revealed that Lumachain, based in Australia, specializes in tracking the journey of food items from farm to table. This technology helps reduce waste and increase efficiency in the food supply chain. Brassica, located in Ohio, operates six restaurants that focus on Mediterranean cuisine.
Launched in 2022, the Cultivate Next fund allows Chipotle to invest in early-stage companies that support its mission to reach 7,000 locations across North America. Other investments from this fund include GreenField Robotics, Hyphen, Local Line, Meati Foods, Nitricity, Vebu, and Zero Acre Farms.
Chipotle’s investment in Lumachain reflects its ongoing commitment to artificial intelligence and automation. The company utilizes “Computer Vision AI” to enhance operations in food production facilities, improving quality, efficiency, and safety. Previous investments in robotics, such as Hyphen and Vebu, have led Chipotle to test an automated assembly line and a robotic avocado processor in select stores starting in September.
Investing in Brassica marks Chipotle’s first foray into a restaurant concept through its venture fund. The company has explored various concepts before, including Farmesa Fresh Eatery, which it closed after about a year of operation in April.
Brassica’s model resembles Chipotle’s, featuring front-line ordering and menu customization. Its offerings include falafel, pita, antibiotic-free meats, roasted vegetables, seasoned fries, vegan tahini, chocolate chip cookies, and fresh-squeezed mint pink lemonade.
With this funding, Brassica plans to expand by opening new locations and entering new markets. Nate Lawton, Chipotle’s chief business development officer, expressed confidence in Brassica’s growth potential. Established in 2015, Brassica recently opened its sixth location and its second in Cleveland at the end of last year.
As the leader in the Mexican fast-casual segment, Chipotle faces increasing competition from Cava, which went public last year and has reported strong sales growth in 2024. By investing in a rising fast-casual brand like Brassica, Chipotle aims to strengthen its position in the market and diversify its offerings.
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