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Chipotle opens 1st Mexico restaurant, plans further expansion

Photo: Chipotle

July 13, 2026

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Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first restaurant in Mexico on Thursday, marking a new chapter in the chain's international growth strategy.

The restaurant is located in San Pedro Garza García, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area in the state of Nuevo León. The opening comes through a partnership with Alsea, a major Latin American and European restaurant operator that also runs brands including Domino's Pizza, Starbucks, Burger King and P.F. Chang's across the region.

Chipotle and Alsea plan to open additional locations in Nuevo León later this year, with expansion into Mexico City slated for 2027. The Mexico launch stems from a development agreement the two companies signed in April 2025.

Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said the company is entering the market with respect for Mexico's culinary traditions while aiming to bring its customizable format — burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and quesadillas — to a new customer base.

Nate Lawton, Chipotle's chief business development officer, said the initial focus is on operating the single location well and using it as a learning opportunity before scaling further in the country. He described the Monterrey-area opening as a proof of concept that will help the company understand local preferences.
Chipotle selected the Monterrey area for its first Mexico location due to the region's economic strength, population growth and standing as a business and innovation center, according to the company.

The Mexico opening adds to Chipotle's expanding international footprint. The company entered the Middle East in 2023 through a partnership with Alshaya Group, which now operates 15 Chipotle restaurants across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar.

In September 2025, Chipotle announced a joint venture with South Korean company SPC Group to bring the brand to Asia, with a first restaurant planned in South Korea this year and Singapore in early 2027.

Chipotle also operates more than 80 restaurants in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six in France and two in Germany.

Domestically, the company runs more than 4,100 restaurants and expects to open between 350 and 370 new locations in 2026 as part of its "Recipe for Growth" strategy, which includes a goal of reaching 7,000 U.S. and Canada locations.