(Reuters) - Chipotle Mexican Grill ( CMG ) will hire 20,000 additional employees for the period of March to May as the company gears up to cater to a surge in demand for its so-called "burrito season" during spring.

Demand for Chipotle's premium burritos and bowls has been stable, even as value-seeking diners have tempered their spending on fast food amid inflation and lack of wage growth.

The company, which operates over 3,700 restaurants in the U.S., had last year hired 19,000 additional workers, both full-time and part-time, to deal with increased footfall in its busiest period of the year.

Chipotle's revenue rose 18.2% in the second quarter of last year, helped by the return of its popular burrito bowl Chicken Al Pastor, as well as from consumers dining at its stores in the warmer months.

However, the company has taken a tempered view on annual sales this year as President Donald Trump's tariffs on imports threaten to fuel inflation in the country, which could hit demand for dining out.