WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - In a frantic effort to win back diners, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is offering free burritos to its customers.
Forced to shut down the chain's nearly 2,000 outlets Monday after disastrous outbreaks of E. coli and norovirus caused by tainted food, Chipotle announced changes in its food safety measures, and said it is spending $10 million for the same for its small suppliers.
The money will be used to ensure serving fresh food while minimizing risk in its complex supply chain.
The Denver-based chain suffered a blight on its reputation and a sales downturn after food-borne illnesses sickened about 500 customers in 13 different states.
By way of apology, Chipotle offered customers who text the word 'raincheck' to 888-222 that it will send them a SMS coupon for a free burrito within the next few days. The offer was on the table only for a limited number of hours on Monday.
The restaurant's stock is trading significantly lower than its record high last year, and the company is facing a federal criminal investigation.
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