(Reuters) -Chipotle Mexican Grill on Monday named interim boss Scott Boatwright as permanent CEO of the burrito chain, months after Brian Niccol exited the role to take the top job at Starbucks. Boatwright steps in at a time when restaurants across the United States are battling weak consumer demand in the face of higher menu prices.

Chipotle Mexican Grill appointed Scott Boatwright as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective immediately, on Monday, ending the months-long search for a new leader after former CEO Brian Niccol left for Starbucks.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has dropped “interim” from chief executive officer Scott Boatwright’s title, today announcing that after a “robust and thorough process,” he will take over the top spot, as well as a position on the board, effective immediately.

Scott Boatwright is getting the permanent CEO nod. Chipotle’s stock is up 500% since he joined the company in 2017.

Boatwright had been serving as interim CEO and previously was chief operating officer and chief restaurant officer at Chipotle, which he joined from Arby’s in 2017.

By Juveria Tabassum (Reuters) -Chipotle Mexican Grill on Monday named interim boss Scott Boatwright as permanent CEO of the burrito chain in a widely expected move, months after Brian Niccol exited the role to take the top job at Starbucks.