Chipotle Mexican Grill is best known for its custom burritos and bowls, but some fans might have forgotten-or never knew-that the chain once served handcrafted margaritas alongside its fast-casual fare.
Now, for the first time since those margaritas disappeared from menus in 2019, some U.S. customers will get a chance to buy one.
The $6 margaritas will be available for a limited time through a five-city "Summon the Spirits Tour" leading up to Halloween, management said in a news release Monday.
Investors appeared excited about the announcement, sending shares up 4.3% to $32.67 Monday. The stock was also one of the best performers in the S&P 500. The rally is a solid boost for shares that have fallen 11% this year, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
Fans have reminisced about Chipotle's signature margaritas for years, sharing videos online asking for their return. Chipotle said its margarita recipe includes only five ingredients with no artificial flavors: tequila, triple sec, citrus juice, agave nectar, and a lime wedge.
The tour will bring the beverages to one Chipotle restaurant every weekend in October, with stops in Denver, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Immersive pop-up bar experiences and prizes will also be available.
Chipotle and other fast-casual chains have faced a tough consumer landscape with slowing traffic growth as customers continue to grapple with inflation.
Chipotle's move, however, comes after Taco Bell, owned by Yum! Brands, rolled out its 2016-inspired "Decades" menu this summer, featuring fan-favorite items including its Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanada. In June, McDonald's brought back its Fried Apple Pie for a limited time, which was discontinued in 1992 and substituted for a healthier version.