Problem
Chipotle obviously follows a differentiation strategy. Years ago, when the fast-food industry in the U.S. was mature and dominated by only three firms -- McDonalds, Burger King, and Dairy Queen -- McDonalds decided to take a large ownership position (an "acquisition") in Chipotle. Here is one article discussing it, and there are others you can find online
CEO Steve Ells basically ignored all of the advice given to him by McDonalds during this period before Chipotle went public with its IPO (Initial Public Offering).
Using concepts and/or terminology learned in ACE 431, do you believe that Ells' stance was the correct one for Chipotle in the longer run?