Chipotle, Growth Slowing, Looks at Fast-Food Future

With growth stalling, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is mulling changes that threaten to turn the burrito chain into what founder Steve Ells said it would never be: another fast-food joint.

Ells, a classically trained chef, built a cult brand by wowing diners with a tightly edited menu of sustainably sourced food and helped pioneer the “fast casual” category.