Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. founder Steve Ells will step down as chief executive, after the fast-casual dining pioneer failed to retain customers amid rising competition and repeat food-safety scares. Mr. Ells was a pioneer of a now-ubiquitous category of dining chains that market themselves as a step up from fast food but lack the table service of a sit-down restaurant. Chipotle’s burritos, which Mr. Ells began selling in Denver 24 years ago, introduced freshly prepared and organic ingredients to a wider audience.

Source: Wall Street Journal November 29, 2017 13:36 UTC