Chipotle makes Mexico debut with more locations in the works
Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to officially touch down south of the border.
The fast-casual chain will open its first location in Mexico on July 16 in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, as part of a 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.
Chipotle says the Monterrey metropolitan area was selected for its debut in Mexico due to its strong economy, growing population and status as one of the country's leading business and innovation hubs.
"We are entering Mexico with deep respect for the country's culinary heritage and a commitment to delivering the Chipotle experience with excellence," said Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright. “Our research has reinforced our belief that there is strong interest in high-quality, freshly prepared food served with the customization and convenience that Chipotle offers. Nuevo León is an ideal place to begin this journey, and with Alsea's operational expertise and deep local market knowledge, we look forward to serving new guests and earning a place in Mexico's vibrant dining culture.”
Chipotle's existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes more than 80 locations in Canada, 20 in the U.K., six in France, and two in Germany. The company currently operates more than 4,100 restaurants worldwide, and expects to open between 350 and 370 new restaurants in 2026.
Chipotle’s partnership with Alsea is just one aspect of its international expansion plans. The chain signed its first international development agreement in July 2023 with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East. Last September, Chipotle announced a joint venture with SPC Group, a leading South Korean food and bakery company, to expand the brand into Asia for the first time, with plans to open its first restaurant in South Korea later this year and in Singapore early next year.
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"We’ve spent years evaluating opportunities to bring Chipotle to Mexico, and this week’s opening reinforces our confidence in the market," said Nate Lawton, chief business development officer of Chipotle. "Our initial focus is on opening one great restaurant and learning alongside our guests and our partners at Alsea. This first location will serve as an important proof-of-concept, giving us the opportunity to better understand local consumer preferences as we thoughtfully grow in Mexico.”
