The Big Chipotle Question:

Is Chipotle owned by McDonalds? Over the years I have heard many a answer to this question. But today I found out the real answer while wandering around Chipotlefan.com. Here is the skinny.

Short Answer: No, Chipotle is not owned by McDonald's.

Long Answer:
Chipotle became a susidiary of McDonald's in 1999 when McDonald's acquired the controlling stake of the company. At one point, McDonald's owned shares accounting for approximately 87% of the voting power of Chipotle's common stock. In Chipotle's earlier stages, McDonald's helped Chipotle's operations by sharing its own distribution networks.

Currently, Mcdonald's no longer has anything to do with Chipotle Mexican Grill. They have divested completely from Chipotle.

Source: Joe Stupp, General Manager, Chipotle.com

It is found on this page at Chipotlefan.com. Needless to say I am happy to finally have an answer, especially this one.