Chipotle opens first restaurant in Mexico as global expansion accelerates

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first restaurant in Mexico this month as part of the fast-casual chain’s international growth strategy.

The new location opened on July 16 in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, and is being operated in partnership with restaurant operator Alsea, according to a news release from Chipotle.

“We are entering Mexico with deep respect for the country’s culinary heritage and a commitment to delivering the Chipotle experience with excellence,” Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, said in a statement. 

“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.”

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Chipotle and Alsea plan to open additional locations in Nuevo León later this year, followed by an expansion into Mexico City in 2027. 

The restaurant is the first to open under a development agreement the companies announced in April 2025.

Alsea runs several thousand restaurants from global quick-service, coffee shop and full-service brands in many countries in Latin America and Europe, according to Chipotle.

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The new restaurant offers Chipotle’s standard menu of customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, salads and quesadillas. Many ingredients are sourced from regional suppliers, according to the company.

Chipotle said the Monterrey area was selected because of its “strong economy, growing population” and position as a major business hub. 

“Bringing Chipotle to Mexico is an important step in our growth and portfolio diversification strategy,” Christian Gurría, CEO of Alsea, said in a statement. “We are introducing an iconic brand with a differentiated value proposition that has resonated with millions of guests around the world, and we are confident it will be warmly welcomed by Mexican consumers.”

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As of March 31, Chipotle operated more than 4,100 restaurants worldwide.

The restaurant chain expects to open between 350 and 370 new locations in 2026. Its international footprint includes restaurants in Canada, Europe and the Middle East, with additional openings planned in South Korea and Singapore.

Chipotle could not immediately be reached by FOX Business for additional comment.

FOX Business’ Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.