Chipotle founder Steve Ells on Kernel - his new robot-powered, plant-forward fast-food game changer

Steve Ells created a new standard for fast casual dining when he launched Chipotle 31 years ago. He’s looking to transform the sector once again with his latest venture Kernel — a plant-forward restaurant powered largely by robots. LinkedIn editor in chief Dan Roth talks to Ells about the novel hub and spoke system he’s deploying to streamline food prep and reduce human error and turnover. Ells discusses changing key elements of the business early on, including adding non-vegan options to the menu and reworking the layout to be more hospitable in response to customer feedback, and adapting production processes based on employee feedback. Ells also shares his top advice for those looking to mirror his entrepreneurial success. Share your thoughts via email at ThisisWorking@linkedin.com, or join the conversation directly on LinkedIn using the hashtag #ThisisWorking. Follow Kernel Foods, Dan Roth and LinkedIn News on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter here.

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Join LinkedIn’s Editor-in-Chief Dan Roth as he pulls back the curtain on how the world’s most dynamic leaders think, lead, and build. Going beyond titles and buzzwords, This Is Working uncovers the human stories behind high-impact leadership. These are the thoughtleaders and changemakers who are reshaping industries: from tacos to tech, AI to alcohol-free beer, fashion to finance. You’ll hear from guests like Jamie Dimon on rethinking talent, Chuck Robbins on leading through transformation, and Dr. Fei-Fei Li on the human side of AI. Tune in every other week for candid conversations on what’s working at work, and what’s yet to come.