Will Chipotle Soon Add Fish Tacos and Desserts? The CEO Gives a Definitive Answer
Since 1993, when the very first restaurant opened its doors in Denver, Chipotle has grown into a global empire, serving millions of people its fast-casual Tex-Mex. While over the course of its 33-year run, customers have seen things like queso, chipotle honey chicken, and carne asada added to the menu, the company hasn't strayed into some areas that its competitors have.
For example, Chipotle hasn't broken into the breakfast game, it doesn't offer desserts, and surprisingly enough, it hasn't branched out into serving fish and/or shrimp tacos. The latter of which, it's easy to assume, would be in Chipotle's wheelhouse.
That being said, the company's CEO, Scott Boatwright, is finally addressing those with hopes of one day getting a seafood option or perhaps a sweet treat to enjoy after their meal.
Chipotle's Boatwright Says, "We Don't Need to Launch Breakfast"
Speaking on the Power Players with Brian Sozzi podcast, Boatwright addressed the speculation and questions surrounding Chipotle's future in serving breakfast, fish tacos, and desserts. On the topic of breakfast, Boatwright didn't sound hopeful about that type of menu expansion based on what hasn't worked with certain competitors. He stated:
"Just look no further than the brands that have fits and starts at breakfast. They put it in, they run it for two years, try to make it work, and pull it. It's just hard to break into that daypart. And so I think there's still so much growth ahead of us at lunch and dinner that we don't need to launch breakfast."
Chipotle's Boatwright Says, "We Don't Do Frozen Fish"
Now, fish tacos have risen in popularity over the years. However, it doesn't sound like fans of Chipotle should anticipate the chain joining the craze. It boils down to the company's values. Per the restaurant's website, Chipotle has said no to "artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, freezers, can openers, or shortcuts." That being said, similar companies have to rely on frozen fish for their fish offerings due to logistics. Boatwright put it this way:
"We don't have freezers. And so most places … the fish comes in frozen. With a fish that's coming in frozen, that isn't aligned with our food ethos. So we don't do frozen, we don't do frozen fish."
Now, as far as desserts, it looks like there may be some hope there. Boatwright noted, "We're not giving up on it. We're still innovating on ideas back at the ranch, and I think we'll ultimately get there."
And there you have it. Big changes aren't in the cards for Chipotle in the foreseeable future, but desserts could be coming at some point. For now, the tried and true menu items will have to be enough.
Related: After Spirit Shuts Down, Another Airline Also Officially Closes Its Doors This May
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 6:15 AM.