Chipotle sales and revenue plummet in the second quarter

Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a steep drop in second-quarter earnings Thursday and missed analysts' estimates as the fast-casual restaurant struggles to regain its footing after a series of food safety scares, and the recent arrest of one of its executives for drug possession.

The restaurant chain's profit plunged to $25.6 million in the quarter ended June 30, down 81% from $140.2 million from the same period a year ago. Revenue dropped to $998.4 million, off 16.6% from $1.2 billion compared to 2015. Analysts had expected sales of $1.05 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Earnings per share plummeted to 87 cents versus $4.45 per share in the second quarter of last year. That was also below earnings per share estimates of 90 cents.

Sales at stores open at least a year, a key metric for the industry, fell 23.6%. That was a slightly milder drop than than the nearly 30% fall Chipotle reported in the first quarter.

This restaurant just unseated Chipotle as the most popular Mexican chain

It's been a slow climb back to normalcy for the Mexican restaurant, which has been aggressively trying to court favor with its formerly loyal fans.

"Our entire company is focused on restoring customer trust and reestablishing customer frequency," said co-CEO Steve Ellis in a statement.

The company has employed an expansive comeback strategy, including using coupons, promotional discounts and even a short animated film about the perils of big food operations to get customers back buying burritos again. It implemented new food safety standards and shook up its long-unchanged menu with a new item: chorizo, a spicy chicken and pork sausage available in select locations.

At the same time, the company appears to be aiming for a new set of diners: hamburger lovers. (anything here about Better Burger concept, if it comes up in earnings). Outside of its main business, Chipotle also operates ShopHouse, a Southeast Asian fast-casual restaurant, and Pizzeria Locale.

Chipotle executive is arraigned on 7 drug charges

But the negative headlines keep coming. Earlier this month, Chipotle marketing executive Mark Crumpacker was arrested and arraigned on seven counts of possession of cocaine. The restaurant quickly distanced itself from Crumpacker's alleged crimes, placing him on administrative leave last week and stating that it would continue to focus on its daily operations.