Chipotle CEO says there's 'no smoking gun' for burrito sales dip—but he wants customers to give the chain for more 'credit' for affordable prices

A man in a vest pays at the Chipotle counter. (Credit: Brandon Bell—Getty Images)

• Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said the burrito chain needs to work on selling itself as a bargain brand for jittery, budget-strapped consumers. The company reported on Wednesday a 4% same-store quarterly sales decline and cut its guidance for the rest of the year, citing poor consumer sentiment and economic uncertainty. 

As more Americans grow anxious about the economy and start pulling back on eating out, CEO Scott Boatwright wants consumers to give Chipotle some more credit for its low prices.