USA | Chipotle has announced a new minority investment in AI platform Lumachin and restaurant concept company Brassica.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced it is making a minority investment in Lumachain, an AI supply chain platform, and Brassica, a fast-casual restaurant concept, through its USD $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund.
Introduced in 2022, Cultivate Next makes early-stage investments into strategically aligned companies that further Chipotle's mission to Cultivate a Better World and help accelerate the company's longer-term growth plans to operate 7,000 restaurants in North America.
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Lumachain's mission is to improve how food is produced, for good. The minority female-founded company has developed a traceability solution that, in real-time, tracks the origin, location, and condition of individual items in a supply chain, from farm to table, enabling reduced waste and increased efficiency. Lumachain's traceability platform is complemented by its Computer Vision AI platform, which monitors operations inside food production plants to improve quality, efficiency, and safety.
"The visibility in real-time and quality data analytics that Lumachain's software provides could optimise the management and quality of perishable goods for the food service industry," said Curt Garner, Chief Customer and Technology Officer, Chipotle.
The Columbus, Ohio-based fast-casual restaurant serves wholesome, Eastern Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for guests to personalise their own salads and sandwiches. Founded in 2015, Brassica is committed to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients at its six restaurant locations.
The concept provides healthy dining options without compromising flavour. It includes a front-line ordering experience and a welcoming atmosphere defined by natural materials and standout architectural details. Signature items include house-made falafel, baked-to-order organic pita, antibiotic-free meats, roasted vegetables, Brassica seasoned fries, vegan tahini chocolate chip cookies, and fresh-squeezed minty pink lemonade.
"Investing in emerging culinary concepts that align with Chipotle's commitment to using real, fresh ingredients and making craveable food daily is consistent with our mission to Cultivate a Better World," said Nate Lawton, Chief Business Development Officer, Chipotle.
"Funding from Cultivate Next's minority investment will help Brassica scale to open new locations and expand to new markets."
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