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Chipotle opens 1st Asia location in Seoul

Photo: Chipotle

September 2, 2026

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Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has opened its first restaurant in Asia, a location in Seoul, South Korea, through a joint partnership with Sangmidang Holdings, which previously brought Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' and Shake Shack into the South Korean market. The venture, called S&C Restaurants Holdings, will run Chipotle's business in South Korea, with Sangmidang Holdings handling day-to-day operations, including ingredient sourcing, cooking methods and staff training.

Chipotle executives said South Korea will serve as a reference market as the company works out how to expand its brand across Asia while sticking to its culinary and operational standards.

"Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Chipotle, with strong demand for variety, convenience and real food prepared fresh and served fast," Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said in a press release. He added the company sees "tremendous potential to grow" in the region.

Chipotle picked South Korea for the launch because of its "highly engaged and discerning consumers" and a restaurant culture that values authenticity and ingredient quality, the company said.

Hee-soo Hur, president and chief vision officer of Sangmidang Holdings, said the company was proud to introduce Chipotle to Asia and committed to delivering an authentic version of the brand for South Korean guests.

As it has in other markets, Chipotle said its Seoul menu will feature no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, with ingredients chopped, seasoned, grilled and prepared throughout the day. Customers will be able to build their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads.

Chipotle plans to open two more South Korean restaurants by the end of 2026, followed by its first Singapore location in 2027. The company's business development team, led by Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton, is also evaluating additional partnership opportunities for expansion. Prospective partners can submit proposals through Chipotle's investor relations site.

Sangmidang Holdings, an 80-year-old South Korean food company, owns 30 brands, including Paris Baguette and Paris Croissant, and operates nearly 7,000 locations worldwide. Big Bite Company, a restaurant operator affiliated with Sangmidang Holdings, will run the Chipotle joint venture.

Chipotle operates over 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany and the Middle East. It is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all of its locations in the U.S., Canada and Europe.