'Ask for a little more': Chipotle CEO, customers at odds over portions

Drew Pittock, USA TODAYWed, May 6, 2026 at 12:09 AM UTC

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Chipotle’s CEO doubled-down on a promise that customers can always get larger portions if they simply ask, but social media’s more vocal sect isn’t buying it.

In a recent interview with Yahoo Finance’s “Power Players” podcast, Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright told host Brian Sozzi that if customers think their portions are getting smaller, they “should ask for a little more.”

“It has always been our brand ethos and it is still to this day, we serve big beautiful bowls and burritos. Full stop, no questions asked,” Boatwright said. “If you want more, just ask the team member. I promise you there's never a team member on that line that's going to say no.”

Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright speaks during an interview on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, U.S., December 12, 2025.

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Echoes from the past

The comment echoes those made by former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol in 2024, after social media users started accusing the Tex-Mex brand, once known for giant stuffed burritos and burrito bowls, of downsizing its portions.

At the time, Niccol told an earnings call that "There was never a directive to provide less to our customers,” adding, “Generous portions is a core brand equity of Chipotle. It always has been, and it always will be.”

A meal is seen in a Chipotle outlet in this photo illustration in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., February 7, 2022.

Whether Chipotle’s portions were actually getting smaller or not, Niccol found himself in a pinch. His comments were largely prompted by the "Chipotle Camera Trick Challenge," a social media trend in which customers filmed Chipotle staff making their order, figuring that under pressure, they would add more to the food.

To try and prove the point, TikTok creator Eric Decker ordered the same burrito twice –– once with a film crew and once without. The burrito he received using the film crew allegedly weighed more than the one he bought without them, adding to the chorus of angry customers.

At what cost?

Fast forward two years, and social media’s more vocal sect is again calling out Chipotle leadership.

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One user called Boatwright “clueless” and said the company is “getting eaten alive by their competitors.” In April, Yahoo Finance noted that in Q4 2025, Chipotle’s same-store sales declined by 2.5% year over year, while fast-casual competitors like CAVA picked up more market share.

Another user claimed the dedicated fanbase that Chipotle used to enjoy is beginning to decline. “CEO is one of the most out of touch people I’ve seen,” they wrote. “Sad because they could be blowing past everyone at this point. At one point, it was a cult following.”

A person works in a Chipotle outlet in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., February 7, 2022.

Those who order online made sure that their interests were represented, as well.

“How can you be a ceo and be this out of touch. What about the huge amount of people who order online?” someone asked. “Train your employees to put a good amount it’s not that hard you are the ceo.”

Someone else took pity on those behind the counter, writing, “This going to cause distress for his employees working on front lines.”

At the end of the day, however, most customers are simply worried about their wallets, and accused the company of up-charging when they ask for more.

“You ask and get ‘a pinch more’ then get charged for double,” wrote one user, followed by a sobbing emoji.

“Well yea, they don’t say ‘no.’ They say ‘I’ll have to charge you for double meat,’” concluded another.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chipotle says portions haven’t shrunk but customers aren’t buying it

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