DENVER, CO - Chipotle has brought in the big guns to help kickstart its Tasty Made burger concept. The company is partnering with Chef, Restaurateur, and James Beard-nominated cookbook author, Richard Blais, to bring some fine dining flair and wide array of experience to grow and innovate the concept, which thus far has just one location in Lancaster, Ohio.

“Richard is an extraordinary chef and an exceptionally capable restaurateur,” said Steve Ells, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Chipotle. “While talking about the possibility of joining forces to do something that would have a positive, meaningful impact on food culture in America, we quickly landed on the notion of his joining Tasty Made. I have long believed that there was an opportunity to make the fast food burger a great burger using better quality ingredients. Richard’s expertise is perfect to help us do that. He can apply his compelling vision and entrepreneurial spirit to our work in progress and oversee operations, allowing me to remain focused on continuing to grow and strengthen the Chipotle brand.”

According to a press release, Blais will start his work with Tasty Made by perfecting the concept’s existing menu and then creating new options. Currently, Tasty Made only features four items: burgers, fries, shakes, and sodas.

“Steve and Chipotle have had such a significant impact on reinventing fast food,” explained Blais in a statement. “There is no more iconic fast food than burgers, and I have always thought that there is a way to do them on a really big scale without compromising the quality of the food or the overall restaurant experience. Joining forces with Chipotle and Tasty Made is a truly unique opportunity to do that.”

You may know Blais from his stint on Bravo television’s “Top Chef All-Stars,” where he also took home the coveted title, but he also has several hands all across the food industry. He owns and operates Trail Blais, a culinary consulting business, has written multiple cookbooks, and is a frequent host for different food-focused television programs. He and Ells both are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, after which Blais went on to cook for renowned restaurants as The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli.

The company shared that more changes and enhancements are on their way, so stay tuned as AndNowUKnow keeps our finger on the pulse of this growing fast-casual concept and beyond.

Chipotle Tasty Made