(Reuters) -Chipotle Mexican Grill ( CMG ) surpassed market estimates for quarterly sales on Wednesday, benefiting from consistent demand for its rice bowls and burritos even as menu items get pricier.

Shares of the company were up 8.4% in extended trading. The stock has gained more than 13% this year.

Chipotle has been able to buck a larger slowdown in customer traffic within the U.S. restaurant industry thanks partly to its loyal clientele that has been visiting its outlets despite inflation straining household budgets.

The California-based chain saw year-over-year foot traffic growth of about 17% during the quarter, outperforming the wider fast-food and quick service restaurant category, which recorded a traffic increase of only 0.63%, according to data analytics firm Placer.ai.

The restaurant chain's comparable sales rose 11.1% in the second quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of a 9.09% increase, according to LSEG data.

The company continues to expect comparable restaurant sales growth in the mid-to-high single-digit percentage for 2024.

(Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)