Chipotle Announces First Opening in Asia

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced the opening of its first restaurant in Asia at 423 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea, in partnership with Sangmidang Holdings (formerly SPC Group). South Korea will serve as a reference market for Chipotle’s expansion across Asia, establishing a model for how the brand can enter new markets while maintaining its culinary and operational standards. The two companies will run Chipotle’s South Korean business through their joint venture, S&C Restaurants Holdings.

Chipotle selected South Korea for its highly engaged and discerning consumers, sophisticated restaurant culture and strong appreciation for authenticity and ingredient quality. The market provides an important opportunity to demonstrate how Chipotle’s Food with Integrity principles and culinary approach can resonate across Asia.

“Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Chipotle, with strong demand for variety, convenience and real food prepared fresh and served fast,” said Scott Boatwright, Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle. “South Korea, in particular, is an ideal market to introduce Chipotle to the region, and we see tremendous potential to grow from here. As we scale across Asia, we will remain focused on what has always differentiated Chipotle—a delicious, customizable meal at a value you can’t find anywhere else.”

Delivering the Chipotle Experience in South Korea The partnership combines Sangmidang Holdings’ extensive restaurant industry, operational and South Korean market knowledge with Chipotle’s culinary expertise. Sangmidang Holdings will be responsible for faithfully delivering the Chipotle experience in South Korea—from ingredient sourcing and cooking methods to team training and restaurant operations. The partnership will help ensure the fundamentals that define Chipotle remain consistent as the brand enters a new region.

“We are thrilled to bring Chipotle to South Korean consumers following tremendous anticipation for the brand’s arrival,” said Hee-soo Hur, President, Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Sangmidang Holdings. “Chipotle offers a distinctive dining experience centered on choice, quality and the freedom for every guest to create a meal that reflects their individual tastes. We are proud to introduce the brand to Asia and committed to delivering the authentic Chipotle experience our guests expect.”

Real Ingredients, Prepared Fresh Chipotle’s menu is built from real ingredients and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The brand’s culinary approach emphasizes classic cooking techniques and fresh preparation, with ingredients chopped, seasoned, grilled and prepared in the restaurant throughout the day.

Guests in Seoul can customize burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads with familiar Chipotle ingredients and recipes, bringing the brand’s signature menu to South Korea.

In partnership with Sangmidang Holdings, Chipotle plans to continue its expansion with two more locations in South Korea by the end of 2026, followed by its first restaurant in Singapore in 2027.

Chipotle’s business development group, led by Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton, is exploring additional opportunities for growth via outside partnerships. Information on submitting a proposal can be found at