Chipotle to introduce new AI system, Paradox to help with hiring, recruitment

GLOBAL – Multinational fast food chain Chipotle has announced plans to introduce a new AI-powered system, Paradox, meant to enhance the chain’s hiring and recruitment process across its 3,500 restaurants in Europe and North America by the end of October.

In a press statement dated October 22, Chipotle revealed the rolling-out phase is expected to be complete by the end of the month.

The platform is expected to reduce the hiring process time by 75% for in-restaurant positions.

The statement also revealed the company will utilize the technology to support its fall hiring season, which is its second-highest hiring period during the year, in addition to helping with hiring as it works toward its goal of having 7,000 restaurants in North America.

The new technology is also expected to aid in hiring during peak hiring pushes, such as the ‘burrito season’ which occurs from March to May.

Paradox will eventually serve as administrative support for all Chipotle outlets worldwide, allowing top-level managers to focus on customer service and supporting staff.

In its most recent hiring initiative, Chipotle aimed to recruit 19,000 employees and enhanced its benefits package to include support for student debt repayment and retirement savings, along with resources for financial wellness and mental health.

This hiring effort particularly targeted Generation Z, which comprises 73% of its workforce. This group is notably more receptive to the incorporation of AI and digital assistants in the recruitment process.

Chipotle utilizes a virtual assistant named Ava Cado, which functions similarly to an administrative assistant. Paradox is intended to improve Ava Cado’s efficiency through improving its client evaluation process.

Ava interacts with candidates, answers inquiries about the company, gathers essential information, schedules interviews, and sends out job offers.

The new recruitment system aims to lower job advertising expenses and claims to enhance hiring for challenging positions.

Paradox supports Chipotle’s ongoing automation efforts aimed at enhancing both employee and customer experiences while improving operational efficiency.

Earlier this year, the chain began testing an automated makeline created by Hyphen and the Autocado machine, which prepares avocados in just 26 seconds.

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