Chipotle Set to Expand into Mexico in Partnership with Alsea

• Chipotle has signed a development agreement with Alsea, targeting its first restaurant opening in Mexico by early 2026.
• This marks Chipotle's first venture into Mexico and is part of its broader international expansion strategy.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced a development agreement with Alsea, a prominent restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe. This partnership aims to open Chipotle's first restaurant in Mexico by early 2026. The move marks Chipotle's inaugural entry into the Mexican market and is part of a broader exploration of potential regional expansion markets.

Nate Lawton, Chipotle's Chief Business Development Officer, expressed optimism about the company's entry into Mexico. He believes that the nation's familiarity with Chipotle's ingredients and preference for fresh food make it an appealing market for expansion.

Armando Torrado, Alsea's Chief Executive Officer, also looks forward to the partnership, expressing pride in collaborating with Chipotle on its international growth.

The announcement of the Mexican expansion follows Chipotle's first international development agreement, signed in July 2023, with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East. Chipotle and Alshaya Group currently operate three restaurants in Kuwait and two in the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to its Middle East operations, Chipotle's global portfolio includes 58 locations in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six in France, and two in Germany. The company aims to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year. It has a long-term target of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Chipotle's business development group, led by Nate Lawton, is actively seeking new partnerships to expand its business. The company operates over 3,700 restaurants and employs over 130,000 individuals worldwide.