Today’s restaurant news centers on two companies pursuing growth through very different paths. Chipotle is staking its future on young people who want to learn the trade, while DoorDash is purchasing its way into campus dining. Each approach carries its own logic, and each rests on its own set of numbers.
Chipotle’s Apprentices
By the close of 2027, Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to roll out its apprentice program to every single one of its locations. According to the company, the roughly 75% of outlets that currently carry this role already post higher operational ratings than those that don’t. The apprenticeship functions as a pathway into the general manager position while also offering extra staffing support during busy times and on weekends.
Since partnering with Guild Education back in 2016, Chipotle has relied on its apprentice manager pipeline program to give employees more chances to earn college credits and pursue degrees. That collaboration has produced a 77% internal promotion rate.
As the company prepares to almost double its North American presence, it is also expanding its use of apprentices. Apprentices, the company says, let general managers spread their duties around more efficiently while sharpening digital performance and making sure standards hold steady across operations. The move is not just about staffing; it is also about leadership development, with apprentices serving as the pipeline for future general managers.
LeBron’s Birria Bet
LeBron James has put money into Mike’s Red Tacos, the growing Southern California birria brand. The NBA star and future Hall of Famer took an undisclosed stake in the company.
James invested early in Blaze Pizza and Dave’s Hot Chicken, co-founded and led by Bill Phelps, who was an early investor in Mike’s Red Tacos and now sits on its board as chair. That investment follows a period during which Mike’s has grown to more than 300 franchise locations in development across the country.
There is a clear link between the two. Phelps has put his money into it, and Mike’s Red Tacos early, and now James has joined him. The brand is preparing to open its first Los Angeles-area restaurant in Pasadena, and the NBA star’s name will stay tied to the investment.
DoorDash Buys Grubhub’s Campus Dining
A surprising new stakeholder has come to Wonder. DoorDash is putting $125 million into the food hall and delivery company through a new strategic partnership. The deal also includes DoorDash buying Grubhub’s campus dining business from Wonder for $300 million.
Wonder will use the funds to help fuel new-unit growth and technology investments. DoorDash said it supports Wonder’s goal to “expand access to world-class food” and also sees a lot of potential in campus dining.
The arrangement pairs two firms whose capabilities diverge: DoorDash acquires a campus dining operation, while Wonder gains money to expand its reach and build out its tech.
What the Numbers Show
In each of the three tales, there exists a firm on the rise and an ally who hopes to profit from its expansion.
- Chipotle is expanding its apprentice program to cover every restaurant by the end of 2027, with a 77% internal promotion rate.
- LeBron James has made an undisclosed investment in Mike’s Red Tacos, which has more than 300 franchise locations in development.
- DoorDash is investing $125 million in Wonder and acquiring Grubhub’s campus dining business for $300 million.
The numbers are large, but they are also blunt. Chipotle is planning to nearly double its North American footprint. Mike’s Red Tacos has 300 locations in development. DoorDash is putting $125 million into Wonder and paying $300 million for Grubhub’s campus dining business.
The Deal at a Glance
Wonder has agreed to sell Grubhub’s campus dining business to DoorDash for $300 million, which is a significant purchase for DoorDash, since it is entering this market through the acquisition.
The deal is part of a larger partnership between the two companies. Wonder will use the $125 million investment to fund new-unit growth and technology investments. DoorDash supports Wonder’s goal to “expand access to world-class food” and sees potential in campus dining.
What It Means for You
Chipotle is training its future managers by working their way up through the ranks, while Mike’s Red Tacos leans on a sports figure to help sell its food, and DoorDash is spending money to take over a market it wants to rule.
Chipotle’s expansion is a bet on its own people. Mike’s Red Tacos has LeBron James as an investor. DoorDash is acquiring a campus dining business from Wonder.
All three paths share a single goal: expansion. Chipotle is constructing its own pipeline for the future. LeBron is putting money into it. DoorDash is acquiring its way into the mix.
That is the story today.
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