Chipotle begins expansion into Asia with Seoul debut
Chipotle Mexican Grill has once again touched down in a major international market.
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain has opened its first location in Asia, in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea. The expansion is in partnership with Sangmidang Holdings (formerly SPC Group), which owns 30 well-known food brands, including Paris Baguette, Paris Croissant, Passion 5, Coffee@Works and Streat, and operates approximately 7,000 locations worldwide.
Chipotle and Sangmidang Holdings will run Chipotle's South Korean business through their joint venture, S&C Restaurants Holdings. The expansion into Asia was first announced in September 2025.
"We are thrilled to bring Chipotle to South Korean consumers following tremendous anticipation for the brand's arrival," said Hee-soo Hur, president and chief vision officer of Sangmidang Holdings. "Chipotle offers a distinctive dining experience centered on choice, quality and the freedom for every guest to create a meal that reflects their individual tastes. We are proud to introduce the brand to Asia and committed to delivering the authentic Chipotle experience our guests expect."
Chipotle plans to continue its expansion with two more locations in South Korea by the end of 2026, followed by its first restaurant in Singapore in 2027. The chain says it selected South Korea for its “highly engaged and discerning consumers, sophisticated restaurant culture and strong appreciation for authenticity and ingredient quality.”
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"Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Chipotle, with strong demand for variety, convenience and real food prepared fresh and served fast," said Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright. "South Korea, in particular, is an ideal market to introduce Chipotle to the region, and we see tremendous potential to grow from here. As we scale across Asia, we will remain focused on what has always differentiated Chipotle – a delicious, customizable meal at a value you can't find anywhere else."
The move is just the latest international expansion for Chipotle. In July, the company opened its first location in Mexico in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, in partnership with restaurant operator Alsea. The two companies plan to open additional restaurants in Nuevo León later this year and expand into Mexico City in 2027.
As of June 30, 2026, Chipotle operated more than 4,200 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East, It is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in the United States, Canada and Europe.
