Is Chipotle's Expansion an Economic Indicator?

If you follow Chipotle (CMG 1.03%), you've probably heard about its ShopHouse concept, an Asian restaurant built on the Chipotle model. After 14 months, the company is ready to open up two more of these stores. Rex Moore visited the Washington, D.C., location and talked with the man responsible for the ShopHouse idea. In this installment of our multipart series, Tim Wildin says the economy didn't play a role in the company's expansion plans. (See all parts of the series linked below the video.)

Chipotle's stock price has been under pressure lately. Hedge fund manager David Einhorn not only contends that Taco Bell's new menu poses a threat, but also that the burrito king is overvalued. Indeed, competitors as diverse as Wendy's (WEN 2.10%), Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD +0.00%), Panera (PNRA +0.00%), and Chuy's (CHUY +0.00%) have easily outperformed Chipotle over the past few months and carry lower valuations.

Part 1: Chipotle's Next Huge Opportunity

Part 2: Chipotle's Small Bet Could Pay Off Big

Part 3: What is Chipotle's ShopHouse, Anyway?

Part 4: Why You'll Find Real Asian Food at Chipotle's ShopHouse

Part 5: Are Customers Buying What Chipotle's ShopHouse Is Selling?

Part 6: Sustaining a Strong Brand is Not Easy

Part 7: Chipotle's ShopHouse Moves Into Expansion Mode

Part 8: Chipotle Shrewd About Future ShopHouse Expansion

Part 9: Chipotle: Lessons Learned From ShopHouse Mistakes

Part 10: Customers Didn't Ask for Spiciness Change at ShopHouse