What company did Steve Ells found?

Steve Ells founded Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (1993).

Founder Profile

Steve Ells

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. · 1993

Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya

Who is Steve Ells?

Steve Ells is a founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., which was founded in 1993.

Company founded: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Founded: 1993

Background

Steve Ells is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who cooked at Stars in San Francisco before founding Chipotle in Denver in 1993 with an $85,000 loan from his father.

Founding Story

Steve Ells founded Chipotle in July 1993, opening the first restaurant in a former ice cream shop near the University of Denver. Inspired by San Francisco Mission District taquerias, he applied fine-dining technique to burritos and tacos. He led the company through McDonald's investment, the 2006 IPO and its 'Food with Integrity' sourcing push, serving as CEO (co-CEO from 2009 to 2016) until Brian Niccol took over in March 2018. Ells remained executive chairman until 2020.