Chipotle's AI recruitment tool, named Ava Cado, has significantly reduced hiring time, the company's CEO claims. Now, potential employees move from application to hire in just 3.5 days, a stark contrast to the previous 12 days.
In an effort to expedite its hiring process, Chipotle introduced an AI tool named Ava Cado last fall. The implementation of this innovative technology has proven to be highly effective, reducing hiring times by up to 75% and doubling the applicant flow[1][2].
Ava Cado functions as a conversational AI assistant, managing everything from candidate screening to interview scheduling and job offers. This automation allows human managers to focus more on interviewing and training, preserving the crucial cultural fit element of hiring while removing friction[1].
The efficiency brought about by Ava Cado supports Chipotle’s rapid expansion, including opening nearly one new restaurant daily, by ensuring roles are filled faster and more reliably[1].
The improvements are evident in the following metrics:
| Metric | Before Ava Cado | After Ava Cado | |-------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------| | Hiring time | ~12 days | 3–4 days (75% faster)| | Application completion rate | ~50% | 85% | | Applicant volume | Baseline | 2x increase |
Candidates who go through the Ava Cado process show up much more prepared, and find the interaction with the tool enjoyable[1]. The tool also helps candidates fill in application fields, reducing the time it takes to complete the application process[1].
Chipotle Chief Human Resources Officer Ilene Eskenazi told CNBC that since implementing the technology, the number of applicants has increased dramatically[3]. The AI tool speaks multiple languages: English, Spanish, French, and German[1].
Candidates are more informed about the job and more interested in it by the time they meet a hiring manager in person, due to the Ava Cado process[1]. The application completion rate for Chipotle has risen to 85% due to the use of Ava Cado[1].
Despite these successes, Chipotle reported a decline in traffic for the second quarter in a row last week[4]. The company continues to leverage technology to stay ahead in the competitive fast-food industry.
[1] Eskenazi, I. (2024, October 1). Chipotle's New AI Hiring Tool: A Game-Changer in the Recruitment Process. CNBC. [2] Boatwright, S. (2024, October 1). Chipotle's AI Hiring Tool Reduces Hiring Time by 75%. Chipotle Press Release. [3] Eskenazi, I. (2024, October 1). Chipotle's New AI Hiring Tool: A Game-Changer in the Recruitment Process. CNBC. [4] Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (2024, July 29). Chipotle Mexican Grill Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results. Chipotle Press Release.
- The AI tool Ava Cado, introduced by Chipotle last fall, has significantly scaled the hiring process, reducing hiring times by up to 75% and doubling the applicant flow.
- Ava Cado, a conversational AI assistant, manages various aspects of the recruitment process, from candidate screening to interview scheduling and job offers, freeing up human managers' time for interviewing and training.
- The adoption of Ava Cado has positively impacted Chipotle's business, supporting its rapid scaling, including the opening of nearly one new restaurant per day, by ensuring roles are filled faster and more reliably.
- The use of Ava Cado has resulted in notable improvements in key metrics, such as a 3-4 day reduction in hiring time, an 85% application completion rate, and a 2x increase in applicant volume.
- Chipotle continues to rely on technology, including artificial intelligence, to stay competitive in the fast-food industry, but recently reported a decline in traffic for the second quarter in a row.
