this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2025
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Even fast-casual dining may be too much of a financial burden for younger generations.

Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said young diners between the ages of 25 and 35 are cutting back on dining at the Mexican-inspired fast-casual chain. But these millennial and Gen Z customers are not snubbing Chipotle for other fast food spots; they’ve stopped dining out as frequently altogether.

“This group is facing several headwinds, including unemployment, increased student loan repayment, and slower real wage growth,” Boatwright told investors at the company’s earnings presentation on Wednesday. “We’re not losing them to the competition. We’re losing them to grocery and food at home.”

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[–] Infynis@midwest.social 1 points 1 hour ago

Based on everything I've heard about Chipotle recently, that's wishful thinking on his part

[–] chosensilence@pawb.social 38 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] IrateAnteater@sh.itjust.works 23 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The only surprising part is that a CEO of a major company was willing to say it out loud.

Only because it affects his bottom line. No other reason.

"and slower real wage growth”

if people can't afford their food anymore, real wages are not growing at all, i'd say. in fact, they're shrinking.

[–] MagicShel@lemmy.zip 23 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Shit... Gen X and I'm not exactly a broke kid, but I still have to be judicious about how I spend my money. Picking up fast food for the family is $50 minimum. Ten meals in a month is $500. I'm not so well off that I can piss away a car payment every month. Shit I've had lower mortgage payments.

[–] AndyMFK@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Maybe (hopefully) I'm interpreting this incorrectly. But you pay $500 a month for a car?!?

[–] possumparty@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 2 days ago

my 25 outback is $694 :/

[–] MagicShel@lemmy.zip 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It's paid off now, but my Chevy Volt was about $500/mo, yes.

[–] AndyMFK@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Ouch, I do applaud you for not getting a giant yank tank though

[–] Quexotic 2 points 1 day ago

Thank you for "yank tank". I will treasure it.

[–] NOT_RICK@lemmy.world 24 points 2 days ago

Surprisedpikachu.jpg

Don’t need an MBA to realize the economy cannot be healthy when you have a completly hollowed out consumer base, but I suppose just like climate change we’re doomed by the diffusion of responsibility

[–] ohlaph@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago

Nah, I'm burdened by their brand quality.

[–] bluGill@fedia.io 6 points 2 days ago (2 children)

It isn't hard to cook a better tasting and healthier meal at home, and it saves money. The only downside is it costs an hour or two. I hope this is really a sign that the younger generation is getting sick of the garbage that passes for food at most restaurants.

[–] tornavish@lemmy.cafe 21 points 2 days ago

I think it has 100% to do with affordability. The food was never that great to begin with, but when it was cheap, you could justify the expense for the experience.

[–] CubitOom -2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Its more like 15 mins.

If you were to passively braise meat for 3 hours, you should not count the time it takes to cook if you can do something esle. Just count the time to actively do the prep. I'll put a braise in the oven and watch Lord of the rings till my timer goes off.

[–] bluGill@fedia.io 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Some meals are that easy. Others require constat stirring. Note that I said meal - one dish is not a meal.

[–] CubitOom 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

We are talking about Chipotle alternatives. I doubt much on Chipotle's menu requires hours of constant stirring.

But even if not, really the only thing that requires constant stirring is risotto and even that's only for about 30 mins of active prep.

I've worked as a sous chef for a bit, so I understand cooking takes effort, but it's not a 2 hour process unless you're cooking in bulk to save time for later in the week.

Point is, It's not much of a time saver to go out to eat, unless it's already cooked.

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 5 points 2 days ago

Most chain restaurants here seem comparable in quality to some of the better microwave meals.