Chipotle Mexican Grill is enhancing its Apprentice program to develop restaurant leaders internally as it pursues a long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants across the United States and Canada. The company expects to open 350 to 370 restaurants in 2026 and aims to place an Apprentice in each of its more than 4,200 company-owned restaurants by the end of 2027, up from coverage at approximately three-quarters of its restaurants today. Apprentices prepare high-performing Crew Members for General Manager roles, support peak-period staffing, oversee areas such as training and the digital makeline, and help improve operational execution. More than 85% of Chipotle's restaurant managers began as Crew Members. Chipotle also marked the 10th anniversary of Cultivate Education, its program powered by Guild, through which nearly 25,000 employees have enrolled and more than 14,000 have completed education programs. Participants report a 66% lower average annual turnover rate and receive promotions approximately 1.4 times as often as non-participating peers. The company says its investments in leadership and education are intended to support expansion, employee advancement and guest experience, while noting that its growth targets and expected benefits are forward-looking and subject to risks.