Chipotle, Mountain Mike’s, Hot Dog on a Stick

An AI-powered weather forecasting tool, a solution designed to improve soil health, and a tech company that facilitates payments through biometrics. These are some of the ideas behind the companies that received the latest round of investments from Chipotle’s Cultivate Next venture fund. The fund was created in 2022 and doubled in 2024 to support companies that create solutions in agriculture, supply chains, sustainability, food systems, and restaurant technology. The companies also support Chipotle’s long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America.

A Mountain Mike’s franchisee has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Rogue Fare LLC operates five restaurants in southern Oregon, though the parent company said the bankruptcy filing involves just one of those locations, in Medford. In a statement, the company said the situation is isolated and is not a reflection of the overall strength of Mountain Mike’s.

The franchisee did not specify a reason for the filing, but listed assets between $0 and $50,000 and liabilities between $1 million and $10 million with over 340 creditors. Mountain Mike’s is one of the few pizza chains that grew in 2025 as the overall category declined. Its sales were up 2%, while its unit count was up 7.

4%.

The new owner of Hot Dog on a Stick is planning to give the storied corn dog concept a fresh start. Hot Dog on a Stick was acquired out of the Fat Brands bankruptcy earlier this year by Las Vegas-based Amazing Brands, which also owns Pinkbox Donuts, Siegels Bagelmania, and Piero’s Italian Restaurant. CEO Stephen Siegel said the acquisition was personal.

He has fond memories of the brand, which was founded in 1946 near the Santa Monica Pier, and his wife once worked there in the 1990s. Once boasting more than 100 units coast to coast, Hot Dog on a Stick has been reduced to 44 units, corporate and franchised. But Siegel plans to grow it again, starting with a flagship location in Las Vegas.