Shareholders have filed a lawsuit, Stradford v Chipotle Mexican Grill in the U.S. District Court, for the Central District of California. The plaintiffs allege that management overreacted to consumer complaints over portion size. Following the “please sir, can I have some more” postings on social media, Chipotle apparently overcompensated by serving “generous portions” at 3,600 restaurants that reduced margins.

The lawsuit seeks damages for stockholders and those with options over the period February 8 to October 29, 2024.  Despite resignation as CEO and Board Chairman, Brian Niccol, was named as a defendant along with CFO Jeff Hartung, Personnel and Chief Strategy Officer and Scott Boatright the current CEO and successor to Brian Niccol.