What Doesn't Kill You

Episode 141: No Carnitas at Chipotle?

Episode Summary

Chipotle recently took Carnitas off the menu in over 600 restaurants. Why? Is this a watershed moment for the pork industry? Find out on a brand new episode of What Doesnt Kill You! Katy Keiffer is joined by Chris Arnold, Communications Director at Chipotle and Jeff Tripician, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at Niman Ranch. This program was brought to you by Rt 11 Potato Chips. Its been a big story and whats been most eye opening on our end is the degree at which customers are supporting the decision. The overwhelming majority of people appreciate our standing on principle and our decision not to make a compromise. [05:00] Weve invested quite a lot over the years in building a supply chain that meets these higher standards and it becomes a pretty significant differentiator for Chipotle from the rest of the restaurant industry. [16:00] --Chris Arnold on What Doesnt Kill You The industry is there to provide choices. Niman is a choice and there are lots of different ways people can raises animals and provide food. If you are a farmer in the middle and youre somewhere between very large and quite small and invested in infrastructure, its difficult to make a transition. Thats what we do - we work with those farmers and help them understand how to make that transition. [11:00] --Jeff Tripician on What Doesnt Kill You

Episode Notes

Chipotle recently took Carnitas off the menu in over 600 restaurants. Why? Is this a watershed moment for the pork industry? Find out on a brand new episode of What Doesn’t Kill You! Katy Keiffer is joined by Chris Arnold, Communications Director at Chipotle and Jeff Tripician, Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President at Niman Ranch. This program was brought to you by Rt 11 Potato Chips.


“It’s been a big story and what’s been most eye opening on our end is the degree at which customers are supporting the decision. The overwhelming majority of people appreciate our standing on principle and our decision not to make a compromise.” [05:00]

“We’ve invested quite a lot over the years in building a supply chain that meets these higher standards and it becomes a pretty significant differentiator for Chipotle from the rest of the restaurant industry.” [16:00]

–Chris Arnold on What Doesn’t Kill You

“The industry is there to provide choices. Niman is a choice and there are lots of different ways people can raises animals and provide food. If you are a farmer in the middle and you’re somewhere between very large and quite small and invested in infrastructure, it’s difficult to make a transition. That’s what we do – we work with those farmers and help them understand how to make that transition.” [11:00]

–Jeff Tripician on What Doesn’t Kill You