Chipotle Backs Nuro, Touts its Ability to Change Food Delivery

The new ovens Chipotle Mexican Grill bought to craft its digital-order-only quesadilla simply scratch the surface of the company’s digitally minded investments.

This week, Chipotle announced a “significant investment” in Nuro, creator of a fleet of occupantless delivery vehicles that fulfill orders of everyday consumer goods.

“Nuro could change the traditional delivery model and we believe consumers are going to continue to seek options and additional access points for how and where they enjoy their food.” — Curt Garner, chief technology officer at Chipotle

To date, Nuro has announced partnerships with Domino’s Pizza, Kroger, Walmart and CVS. While Chipotle teased in its press release that it is “exploring disruptive opportunities outside of traditional third-party partnerships,” Chipotle’s current involvement with Nuro is only as an investor, a Nuro media representative confirmed.

“We are always seeking opportunities that provide innovative solutions for increasing access and convenience for our guests,” said Curt Garner, chief technology officer at Chipotle. “Nuro could change the traditional delivery model and we believe consumers are going to continue to seek options and additional access points for how and where they enjoy their food.”

Nuro—also a recent recipient of the first deployment permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles—further earned newfound support from Woven Capital in its Series C funding round.

Nuro said it will use the funding to “continue to advance its industry-leading autonomous technology, grow its team and expand its delivery service.”