Chipotle To Open First Mexico Restaurant By 2026

Fast-food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. CMG announced Monday that it is preparing its first foray into the Mexican market through a newly signed partnership with Latin American restaurant operator Alsea.

The move is expected to result in the opening of Chipotle’s inaugural restaurant in Mexico by early 2026, signaling a major step in the fast-casual chain’s international expansion.

Alsea, which operates major dining brands across Latin America and Europe, will collaborate with Chipotle on launching the brand.

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Following this initial opening, the two companies plan to assess further growth potential in additional Latin American markets.

“We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” said Chief Business Development Officer at Chipotle, Nate Lawton.

“The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company.”

Chipotle’s first international development agreement was made in 2023, with Alshaya Group, which has since brought five Chipotle locations to the Middle East, three in Kuwait and two in the UAE.

Globally, Chipotle already operates more than 3,700 outlets, including dozens of sites in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany.

The company aims to launch between 315 and 345 new restaurants in 2025 alone. Its long-term vision includes establishing up to 7,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Chipotle reported a 13.1% increase in its fourth-quarter revenue to $2.845 billion. The company expects full-year 2025 comparable restaurant sales growth in the low- to mid-single-digit range. 

Price Action: CMG shares traded lower by 1.43% at $47.48 at the last check on Monday.

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