Steve Ells ’90, who has degrees from both the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Culinary Institute of America, has centered his career around the idea that food served fast can be both healthful and delicious. In 1993, this philosophy led him to start Chipotle Mexican Grill—a rule-breaking fast-food restaurant that pioneered the use of fresh, whole, unprocessed ingredients cooked in an open kitchen and served in an interactive environment. Chipotle grew from a single restaurant to a globally recognized brand during his nearly 30-year tenure as founder and CEO.
Having demonstrated his ability to innovate and reshape the restaurant scene, Ells is uniquely poised to create another industry-changing restaurant. He started Kernel Foods in 2023 and Counter Service, his new, premium sandwich shop, launched in early 2025. “My time at the Culinary Institute of America provided a great foundation and taught me many lessons that are still valuable today,” Steve explains. “In many ways I was lucky, not everyone has the resources or support they need to help realize their dreams.”
He is a member of the inaugural class of CIA’s Alumni Hall of Fame.