Chipotle Mexican Grill at Westdale closes

Chipotle Mexican Grill has closed its restaurant on the perimeter of Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids after two years of operation.

The Denver-based fast-casual chain opened the 2,400-square-foot eatery at 2360 Edgewood Rd. SW in 2016.

A call seeking comment from Chipotle corporate headquarters was not returned Thursday.

Chipotle opened a restaurant in July 2014 at Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids. The chain also operates a location in downtown Iowa City.

Chipotle closed its downtown Waterloo location on July 26 after 14 months in business.

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced June 27 it would be shuttering up to 65 underperforming restaurants nationwide and revamping its marketing strategy under CEO Brian Niccol.

On a June 27 conference call with industry analysts, Chipotle executives said costs from corporate restructuring would cause the chain to take between $115 million to $135 million in charges.

Chipotle's share price has risen sharply since Niccol's hiring was announced in February and as the company focused on how to increase online sales after publicity over illnesses connected to its stores.