Owner Of Chipotle Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, began his culinary journey at a young age, inspired by his mother’s passion for cooking. He honed his skills under renowned chefs in San Francisco, eventually graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Ells’ career took a significant turn when he returned to his hometown of Denver, Colorado, and opened the first Chipotle restaurant in 1993. This fast-casual concept, offering high-quality Mexican food with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, quickly gained popularity among customers seeking a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional fast food.

Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, the latest available information estimates Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, to have a net worth of approximately $1 billion.

Career

Steve Ells, a Colorado native, founded Chipotle in 1993. He started with a single restaurant in Denver, inspired by his culinary internship at a French restaurant in San Francisco. Today, Chipotle operates over 2,500 locations across the globe.

Other Ventures

Besides Chipotle, Ells has invested in several other food-related ventures. He co-founded the fast-casual chain Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta in 2010 and has also invested in the plant-based food company, Beyond Meat.

Assets

Ells’ primary asset is his stake in Chipotle. As of 2021, he owned around 16% of the company’s shares. He also has real estate investments, including properties in Colorado and California.

Annual Income

As of 2021, Steve Ells’ annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his salary as the Executive Chairman of Chipotle, as well as dividends from his shares in the company.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Owner Of Chipotle

Frequently Asked Questions: Owner of Chipotle Net Worth

1. Who is the current owner of Chipotle?

As of now, Chipotle Mexican Grill is a publicly traded company. The largest shareholder is Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager, with approximately 10% of the shares. However, no single individual owns a majority stake in the company.

2. What is the net worth of the owner of Chipotle?

The latest estimated net worth of the largest shareholder, Bill Ackman, is around $2.5 billion.

3. How did Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle, make his money?

Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle, made his fortune by creating and growing the Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant chain. He started with one restaurant in Denver, Colorado, in 1993 and expanded it into a nationwide and international brand.

4. What is Steve Ells’ net worth?

As of the latest estimates, Steve Ells’ net worth is around $1 billion.

5. Who was the original owner of Chipotle?

The original owner of Chipotle was Steve Ells, who founded the company in 1993.

6. When did Chipotle become a publicly traded company?

Chipotle Mexican Grill became a publicly traded company on January 26, 2006, with its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol CMG.

7. How many Chipotle restaurants are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 2,800 Chipotle restaurants worldwide, with locations in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

8. What is the market capitalization of Chipotle?

The market capitalization of Chipotle Mexican Grill, as of 2021, is over $40 billion.

9. What is the revenue of Chipotle?

In 2020, Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a total revenue of $6.1 billion.

10. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Chipotle’s business?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Chipotle’s business, with a shift towards digital sales and the implementation of safety measures in its restaurants. However, the company has shown resilience and adapted to the changing environment, with a focus on off-premise dining and digital sales channels.