CMG focuses on safety

Article Excerpt

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL $514.01 (New York symbol CMG; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (303-595-4000; www.chipotle.com; Shares outstanding: 31.2 million; Market cap: $14.8 billion; No dividends paid) has implemented a number of measures to address food-safety concerns after E. coli sickened 52 customers late last year at its restaurants in nine states. The measures include: changes to food preparation and handling practices such as shredding cheese before it gets to its stores, blanching some produce in boiling water before serving and new rules for marinating chicken and steak. Chipotle will also implement regular training on safety standards for all workers. As well, it now offers paid sick leave to keep workers at home when they are ill. The company should be able to win back its customers, but it could take time. Chipotle is still a hold. hold. …