Morningstar

Starbucks Says It Isn't Buying Chipotle

Provided by Dow Jones

By Connor Hart 




  Starbucks isn't buying Chipotle, the coffeehouse said, ending speculation of a potential deal between two of the country's most recognizable chains. 



  "We are not buying Chipotle," a Starbucks spokesperson said Monday. "Our team is laser-focused on executing our 'Back to Starbucks' strategy," they added, referencing Chief Executive Brian Niccol's plan to bolster sales and improve the café experience. 



  "We have strong momentum and confidence in our long-term growth potential," the company said. Starbucks plans to report its fourth-quarter results and fiscal 2027 ⁠guidance later this month. 



  Chipotle didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 



  The statement comes after the Financial Times reported last week that the company had worked with advisers to explore a potential deal for Chipotle in recent months. The potential tie-up would have been ranked as one of the biggest restaurant deals ever and tasked Niccol, Chipotle's former chief, with reviving two of the country's most recognizable chains simultaneously. 





  Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com 





  (END) Dow Jones Newswires



  October 12, 2026 11:31 ET (15:31 GMT)


Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
  

					The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may
					include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such
					third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and
					is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
				
 

					Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the
					accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party
					content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in
					third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not
					necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
				
 

					Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays
					in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
					Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent
					financial advice before making any decisions based on such content.
					The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with
					Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any
					form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
				
 

				Popular
				
 
  
 
 
 
 
The Smartest Moves for Bond Investors Today, and What to Do When You Have Too Many Investments
 
Ask the Analyst columnist Amy Arnott answers a grab bag of reader questions about bond ETFs, TIPS, retirement planning, and more. 
 
 
Amy C. Arnott, CFA and Ivanna Hampton 
 
 
 
Undervalued by 15%, This Utilities Stock Could Be an Unexpected AI Winner
 
With a 3.3% dividend yield and earnings growth expected to exceed management’s outlook, this 4-star stock stands out in a struggling sector. 
 
 
Andrew Bischof, CFA, CPA 
 
 
 
The Thrilling 37
 
Just a few strict screens can narrow the field to an elite group of funds. 
 
 
Russel Kinnel 
 
 
 
Christine Benz: Why I Hired a Financial Planner
 
5 key reasons why even dedicated DIYers might benefit from paying for financial advice.  
 
 
Christine Benz 
 
 
 
The 10 Best and 10 Worst Months of All Time for the US Stock Market
 
Do common investor sayings about particular months being stronger or weaker for stocks have empirical backing, or is it all market mythology? Dan Lefkovitz uncovered some surprising truths about stock market performance by examining over 100 years of data. 
 
 
Dan Lefkovitz 
 
 
 
 

			Sponsor Center