Chipotle Opens Its 1,000th Chipotlane Restaurant in Kansas City

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced the opening of its 1,000th Chipotlane, a digital order drive-through pick-up lane. The milestone restaurant is located in the Kansas City metro area and will officially open on Thursday, November 21.

Chipotle's long-term growth plan includes reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America, with Chipotlanes playing a key role. The drive-through format has shown to increase sales, margins, and returns for the company.

The Chipotlane concept, introduced in the U.S. in early 2018, allows customers and delivery drivers to pick up their orders without leaving their vehicles. Restaurants featuring this format have demonstrated higher volumes and greater returns than traditional Chipotle outlets.

The company aims to grow its new restaurant count by 8% to 10% per year, with the majority featuring a Chipotlane. Chipotle is on track to open between 285 to 315 new restaurants this year, representing record growth. In 2025, the company plans to open 315 to 345 new restaurants, with at least 80% including a Chipotlane.

Chipotle also focuses on developing future talent to support its growth plans. The company offers a transparent career progression path, industry-leading benefits, and financial planning tools. Last year, the company promoted 24,000 internal employees, with 90% of restaurant management roles and 87% of Field Leader positions filled internally.

The new restaurant in the Kansas City area will be open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. The first 100 guests at the restaurant will receive a free Chipotle Napkin Holder.