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The Express Gazette
Monday, October 5, 2026

Chipotle Expands Global Reach with First Restaurant Opening in Mexico

The fast-casual chain partnered with Alsea to launch its first location in Nuevo León, with more planned for the region and Mexico City.

Business & Markets • 2 months ago
Chipotle Expands Global Reach with First Restaurant Opening in Mexico

Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its first restaurant in Mexico, marking a significant step in the company's international expansion strategy. The new location, which began serving customers on July 16, is situated in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, within the Monterrey metropolitan area.

This opening is part of a development agreement between Chipotle and the restaurant operator Alsea, which was announced in April 2025. Alsea manages thousands of restaurants across Latin America and Europe for various global brands. Chipotle and Alsea intend to open additional restaurants in Nuevo León later this year, with plans to expand into Mexico City by 2027.

"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, stated. "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."

The new restaurant features Chipotle's standard customizable menu, including burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and quesadillas, with ingredients largely sourced from regional suppliers. The Monterrey area was chosen for its robust economy, growing population, and status as a major business hub.

"Bringing Chipotle to Mexico is an important step in our growth and portfolio diversification strategy," said Christian Gurría, CEO of Alsea. "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."

As of March 31, Chipotle operated more than 4,100 restaurants globally. The company anticipates opening between 350 and 370 new locations in 2026. Chipotle’s current international presence includes restaurants in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, with further expansion planned for South Korea and Singapore.


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