Chipotle Mexican Grill has lifted its same-store sales forecast for the full year, even as a lettuce-linked outbreak of foodborne illness slowed foot traffic in late July. The Mexican fast-casual chain now expects comparable sales growth in the mid- to high-single-digit percentage range, up from its prior forecast of low- to mid-single-digit growth. The rosier outlook comes as diners return for burrito bowls and other menu items, but the company acknowledged a 'softening' in traffic during the second half of July after an outbreak of E. coli or other illness tied to lettuce was reported. Despite the setback, Chipotle executives expressed confidence in the brand's recovery and long-term growth trajectory. The stock has fallen more than 7% this year, dragging its market value down to roughly $44 billion, as investors weigh the impact of the outbreak and broader economic pressures on consumer spending. The company's updated forecast suggests that the impact of the outbreak may be temporary, with customer visits expected to rebound as safety concerns fade. Chipotle has previously faced food safety crises, including a series of E. coli and norovirus outbreaks in 2015 and 2016, which hurt sales and reputation. The chain has since implemented stricter food handling protocols and marketing campaigns to regain trust. The new forecast reflects cautious optimism that the latest incident will not derail the company's recovery momentum.