CA, US & World
Chipotle Bets on New Red Chimichurri Sauce to Attract Gen Z Diners
Chipotle is turning up the heat with a new limited-time sauce aimed at younger customers. Beginning September 30, the fast-casual chain will offer Red Chimichurri, a spicy new side designed to win over Gen Z diners and help reverse two straight quarters of slumping sales.
Priced at $1, Red Chimichurri is made fresh daily with roasted garlic, cilantro, chili peppers, and citrus juice. Chipotle leaders say the sauce was created for its recently relaunched Carne Asada but pairs well across the menu.
“When we add new things in, it gets people interested in Chipotle again and gets incremental visits from existing consumers as well as brings new consumers in,” said Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s president and chief brand officer. He pointed to June’s limited-time Adobo Ranch as proof that the strategy works. Nearly half of the customers who tried that sauce were new to Chipotle, and they were 20% more likely to be Gen Z.
Brandt explained that sauces give loyal guests a fresh way to experience their favorite orders. “People like to order the same thing from Chipotle a lot. Where they can add a sauce and just vary it up a little bit, it’s like a whole new experience,” he said.
Chipotle isn’t alone in rolling out new flavors. McDonald’s recently added Gold Sauce, Taco Bell partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey for a spicy Diablo Sauce, and KFC has expanded its Saucy concept.
The move comes as Chipotle works to rebound from a 30% stock drop following the departure of former CEO Brian Niccol to Starbucks. Current CEO Scott Boatwright has leaned on more frequent limited-time offerings to keep customers engaged. Tuesday’s launch marks Chipotle’s third new menu addition in less than a month.
Despite economic uncertainty impacting dining habits, Chipotle says innovation is the key to regaining momentum. “We’re really leaning into innovation at the end of this year and we’re really leaning into it next year,” Brandt said.
Chipotle’s next earnings report is scheduled for October 29, where investors will see if the new strategy is paying off.
Credit: CNN Newsource
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 29, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Thousands of revelers took over the streets of Buñol for La Tomatina — the world’s most famous tomato fight! 🇪🇸 About 22,000 people joined the one-hour food fight, with a whopping 330,000+ pounds of tomatoes getting tossed, smashed and… well, basically turned into salsa. 😂🍅 Would you jump into this tomato madness or watch from a safe, tomato-free distance? 👀 #LaTomatina #LaTomatina2026 #Spain #Bunol #TomatoFight FoodFight Travel Festival SpainTravel NBCPalmSprings
Our Kai Beech talks with the owner of Real Italian Deli in Palm Desert about why using the best ingredients matters — even when it cuts into profits. From making their own bread to carefully choosing what goes into every sandwich, quality is at the core of the business. 🥪🇮🇹 #PalmDesert #RealItalianDeli #CoachellaValley #LocalBusiness #ItalianDeli Sandwiches PalmDesertEats NBCPalmSprings
Did you know that a tablespoon of olive oil per day is great for your health? Starkie Sours shares why in this Wellness Wednesday tip! 🥗
Dolly Parton’s Lasting Impact on LGBTQ+ Community Dolly Parton’s music touched generations — and her message of acceptance left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. ❤️🏳️🌈 In Provincetown, Massachusetts, members of the queer community are remembering the country music legend and the influence her allyship had on their lives. #DollyParton #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity #MusicLegend #Provincetown #CountryMusic #NBCPalmSprings
Title: Dolly’s Final Song Is Set for 2046 Dolly Parton has left fans one final musical gift. 🎶 The country music legend recorded an unreleased song that is set to be released on what would have been her 100th birthday in 2046. Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at age 80 following what her publicist described as a brief battle with cancer. Her music and legacy will live on for generations. ❤️ #DollyParton #CountryMusic #MusicLegend #Entertainment #Nashville #NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Dolly song? 🎶
BREAKING NEWS: Country artist Dolly Parton has died at 80 following prolonged issues. Our Maria Noble Valdez has more here. Be sure to stay tuned nbcpalmsprings.com for more information. #dollyparton #breakingnews #nbcpalmsprings
📘Make your child the main character in a book, or give someone a special keepsake.📕 Thalia discovered this app and wanted to share it with all of you: Bookestry.com
Meet Kaydee, the newest visitor to the Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest! Kaydee has been making herself right at home — and on Sunday, she gave viewers some seriously adorable head tilts while checking out her reflection in the camera dome. Experts believe Kaydee is female based on her size compared with Shadow, who she’s recently been spotted hanging out with following the death of Shadow’s longtime partner, Jackie. Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, fledged a few weeks ago and are now out on their own. For now, we’re happy to follow along with Kaydee’s sweet adventures! ❤️🦅 #BigBear #BigBearValley #BaldEagle #KaydeeTheEagle #ShadowTheEagle EagleNest CaliforniaWildlife Wildlife NBCPalmSprings
Calling MOOOM! The Iowa State Fair’s annual Mom Calling Contest is back, and these kids brought their best—and funniest—mom calls to the mic! From Fortnite updates to snack emergencies, apparently everything is a five-alarm situation when you’re a kid. 8-year-old Vivien Sullivan of Ankeny took home first place, a blue ribbon and $5! Would your kid win this contest? 👀 #IowaStateFair #MomCallingContest #Iowa #StateFair #KidsBeingKids #FunnyKids #Mom #FamilyFun #ViralVideo #NBCPalmSprings