Scott Boatwright, Newport resident and chief restaurant officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill, reveals some of his favorite date night spots and ways to get outdoors.
By Ashley Ryan
Living in Newport Beach is a dream for many—one that came true for local resident Scott Boatwright just over four years ago when he stepped into his role as chief restaurant officer for Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Headquartered at Fashion Island, the fast-casual chain that specializes in burritos, tacos and other Mexican staples has seen significant growth during the pandemic, due to the company’s ability to pivot to a digital sales format and encouraging customers to order online. In his position, Boatwright is responsible for overseeing restaurant operations and improving the guest experience. Specifically, the role allows him to help others achieve their career ambitions, something he really enjoys. But he also says it’s exceptionally rewarding to “cultivate a better world by giving people access to wholesome, nutritious food.”
Boatwright has not always lived on the West Coast. “I spent most of my life in the Southeast before coming to California,” he explains. He grew up on St. Simons Island in Georgia before earning a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University in 2016, working in multiple positions for Arby’s Restaurant Group in Atlanta before, during and after his time in college. After nearly a decade with the company, he was offered a job with Chipotle and moved to Denver for only a few months before the company moved its main offices to Newport.
In addition to his professional work, Boatwright has also volunteered, serving as a board member for a number of prominent organizations, including Share Our Strength and the Arby’s Foundation—both of which help fight, and seek to put an end to, childhood hunger—as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, for which Boatwright helped facilitate connections between bigs and littles. He was also a board member for the Georgia State Alumni Association after graduating, during which time he assisted in recruiting and supporting other MBA students at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
His wife, Erin, is a dietitian who is currently focusing on consulting work. The couple have been married for 12 years now, following a small wedding ceremony on the beach in the Dominican Republic. Since moving to town, they have welcomed their first child, a son named Graham, who was born in September 2020. They also have a labradoodle named Hazel, who Boatwright says loves to visit the local beaches.
In just a few short years, the Boatwrights have grown passionate about Newport Beach. As Scott Boatwright says, “There is just so much to love: weather, people, beaches and great restaurants.”
Date Night
Some of Boatwright’s favorite date night spots are THE BUNGALOW, where he and his wife love the miso-marinated Chilean sea bass and blackened king salmon entrees, as well as CDM RESTAURANT, where they order the barbecue heirloom carrots and the 1855 filet mignon. “SHOREBIRD on the peninsula is also amazing,” he says. “They have a Duroc pork chop that is out of this world.”
The Great Outdoors
When there’s a desire to get outside, Boatwright heads to the water. “A boat ride in … [NEWPORT] HARBOR with a glass of wine is always great. We also love the sunsets at INSPIRATION POINT in Corona del Mar.”
Seaside Shops
Strolling along Pacific Coast Highway offers ample opportunity for stellar finds. Boatwright says one of his favorites is SEE’S CANDIES, “for obvious reasons: great chocolate,” and adds that the window-shopping in Corona del Mar is always great as well.
Fitness Fun
As members of the NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB, Boatwright and his wife stay in shape with the property’s many services. “We love the environment there for exercise, [the] pool and golf.”
Dessert Delights
For a frozen yogurt treat, “Erin and I love GOLDEN SPOON,” he shares. “… We also love [the ROSE BAKERY] CAFÉ for a cup of coffee or a quick bite.”
Beachside Bliss
Although Boatwright and his family live just up the street from Corona del Mar State Beach, he says, “The most quaint spot is CHINA COVE.” They also enjoy trips to nearby CRYSTAL COVE [STATE PARK], which he says “never disappoints.”
