Wells Fargo Analyst Buys 75 Chipotle Bowls to Take a look at Dimension

Chipotle has been below scrutiny by prospects who accuse the chain of skimping out on portion sizes.

A brand new pattern even emerged on social media, the place prospects will film themselves ordering on the fast-casual chain to encourage Chipotle workers to provide them fuller bowls.

Associated: Chipotle’s Robots Can Make Almost 200 Burrito Bowls an Hour

Now, a gaggle of Wells Fargo analysts determined to settle the controversy — by ordering 75 of the identical bowls at eight totally different NYC Chipotle places.

Unbelievable work by the Wells Fargo analyst who ordered the identical burrito bowl 75 occasions at eight totally different Chipotles in NYC to show the portion dimension inconsistency ? pic.twitter.com/gUHPhgY7Pw

— Tanay Jaipuria (@tanayj) June 27, 2024

Led by analyst Zachary Fadem, the group of finance professionals ordered 75 bowls of white rice, black beans, rooster, pico de gallo, cheese, and lettuce.

Shocking nobody, the outcomes confirmed that portion dimension and weight of the bowls different considerably.

The median weight of the bowls was 21.5 ounces. Some places provided the bowl at a hefty 27 ounces whereas one other solely got here in at 14 ounces — all from the identical menu and ready in the identical means.

“Consistency different extensively, w/ some places serving bowls that weigh ~33% greater than different places (on equal orders); and the heaviest digital/in-store bowls weighing 87%/47% extra vs the lightest,” Fadem reported. “Whereas throughput is bettering, order consistency stays a chance.”

In Might, Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol denied that portion sizes had reduced in size throughout an interview with Fortune.

“The parts haven’t reduced in size,” Niccol mentioned assuredly. “We at all times wish to give individuals massive parts that get them excited in regards to the meals.”

Associated: Chipotle Rolls Out New Perks to Attract Gen Z Workers

Chipotle had a strong Q1 2024, with whole income reaching $2.7 billion, a 14% improve from the identical time final yr. The chain additionally opened 47 new eating places within the quarter.

Chipotle didn’t instantly reply to Entrepreneur’s request for remark relating to portion dimension variability.