ChipotleWell, Chipotle fans, we've got some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that the company's pork shortage is coming to an end. The bad news? That its carnitas won't be returning until the end of the year.
This whole tragedy started back in February when Chipotle stopped serving carnitas after it discovered that one of its major pork suppliers wasn't adhering to its standards (things like giving the pigs access to the outdoors and refraining from the use of antibiotics). At the time of the announcement many customers, while bummed about the loss of one of their favorite meals, were proud that the company held up its principles so well.
However, according to Fortune, co-CEO Steve Ells told investors in a conference call yesterday that they've found a new pork supplier. Barring any major catastrophes, carnitas will be slowly added back to menus across the country starting this summer, with a full return slated for late fall. It's good news for burrito fans and the company, as the shortage has apparently slowed sales at many stores—clearly there's a sizable group of people who just will not accept chicken or steak.
There's also one more teensy tiny bit of bad news: Prices on steak and barbacoa are going up. Not a lot, but up is up. Maybe it's time to try out sofritas after all.