McDonald's Used To Own This Popular Mexican-Inspired Chain

McDonald's played a pivotal role in the story of fast-casual food titan Chipotle. McDonald's involvement in the Mexican-inspired chain began in the late 1990s.

Back then, Chipotle was unknown, and a friend of one of Chipotle's investors joined the McDonald's team and arranged a meeting where they brought samples of their food to pitch.

McDonald's played an early but pivotal role in Chipotle, providing $340 million total in financial support. The eatery grew from just a few stores to more than 500 by 2005.

However, the two split ties in 2006, when McDonald's sold off all its shares — which once totaled about 90% of the company. Chipotle's value soared in the coming years.