Chipotle opening first restaurant in Mexico
Chipotle restaurant sign on the exterior of a building under a clear blue sky, Pleasant Hill, California, April 16, 2026.
Smith Collection | Gado | Archive Photos | Getty Images
fast casual chain chipotle The company announced Monday that it will open its first restaurant in Mexico this week.
The store will open Thursday in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, which is part of the Monterrey metropolitan area. Chipotle said the opening is part of the Mexican food chain’s previously announced partnership. restaurant group Alsea.
Thursday’s opening will be the first of larger restaurants in Mexico, including an expansion to Mexico City in 2027, according to Chipotle.
“We enter Mexico with a deep respect for the country’s culinary heritage and a commitment to delivering the Chipotle experience par excellence,” CEO Scott Boatwright said in a statement. “Our research reinforced our belief that there is strong interest in the high-quality, freshly prepared food served with the customization and convenience that Chipotle offers.”
Chipotle plans to open 350 to 370 new restaurants this year to regain growth after a stagnant year and attract customers with new menu offerings. International expansion through partnerships is part of this strategy.
The company said it chose the Monterrey region because of its “strong economy, growing population and status as one of the best in the world.” [Mexico’s] leading business and innovation centers.” The new restaurant will feature the same menu as their existing U.S. location.
Chipotle and Alsea signed the Mexican development agreement last year as the U.S. chain entered the market. The company currently operates more than 4,100 stores worldwide, including countries in the Middle East and Europe.
