Chipotle closes Virginia store after reports of illness
NEW YORK — Chipotle’s efforts to move past its food scares have been complicated by fresh reports of illnesses, which prompted it to temporarily close a restaurant this week.
The company said Tuesday that it closed the restaurant in Sterling, Virginia after it became aware of a “small number” of reported illnesses consistent with norovirus. The news sent its shares down more than 4 per cent as skittish investors worried about the chain’s past food scares.
Chipotle noted that norovirus, which can cause nausea and diarrhea, does not come from its food supply and said it is safe to eat at its restaurants. But the company has previously said that given its history, any food safety incidents could have an outsized negative impact on its sales, even if reports turn out to be erroneous or stem from factors outside its control.
Its shares fell $17.02 to close at $374.98, after Business Insider reported the closure.