Chipotle Mexican Grill Shines in U.S. Slow Economy

According to studies found by NPD Group, the number of annual restaurant visits by a typical Millennial (person from 18-24 years old) has plummeted from 245 visits five years ago to 192 this year. As the economy in Europe and the U.S. lags, fast food restaurants are focusing on deals and cost-cutting measures again, something that can be challenging with high commodity costs and spikes in the price of some meats like pork. So what's Chipotle's secret? Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has managed to handle the downturn quite well because its tip-less at-the-counter service is more attractive to consumers trying to save money.