Chipotle adding chorizo to menu to win back customers

Photo Source: iStock

NEW YORK (AP) -- Chipotle is adding chorizo to its menu in yet another move intended to get people back in stores following an e. coli outbreak last year.

The chain says the topping will be available in select cities including New York and San Diego starting Wednesday. It expects to introduce the chicken-and-pork sausage option nationally in the fall.

Earlier this week, Chipotle also said it plans to launch a loyalty program for the summer that will reward customers with free meals for frequent visits.

The moves are part of the chain's push to recover after a series of food scares last year sent sales plunging. In the first three months of the year, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.'s sales were down about 30 percent at stores open at least 13 months.