Chipotle makes its debut in Mexico

Chipotle has officially made its debut in Mexico in partnership with Alsea, which operates a portfolio of restaurant brands in Latin America and Europe.

The new restaurant is located in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, and marks a major milestone in Chipotle’s international growth strategy. Additional restaurants are expected to open in Nuevo León later this year through the partnership, with entry into Mexico City targeted for 2027.

The company said it chose Monterrey for its Mexico debut because it has a strong economy and growing population.

"We are entering Mexico with deep respect for the country's culinary heritage and a commitment to delivering the Chipotle experience with excellence," Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright 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. Nuevo León is an ideal place to begin this journey, and with Alsea's operational expertise and deep local market knowledge, we look forward to serving new guests and earning a place in Mexico's vibrant dining culture.”

Chipotle signed its development agreement with Alsea last spring. A few months prior, Boatwright said he wanted the chain to become more of an “iconic global brand.”

"We’ve spent years evaluating opportunities to bring Chipotle to Mexico, and this week’s opening reinforces our confidence in the market," Chipotle Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton said in a statement. "Our initial focus is on opening one great restaurant and learning alongside our guests and our partners at Alsea. This first location will serve as an important proof-of-concept, giving us the opportunity to better understand local consumer preferences as we thoughtfully grow in Mexico.”

Alsea is a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, operating more than 4,700 restaurants across the quick-service, coffee, and full-service segments. Its portfolio includes Domino’s, Starbucks, Chili’s, Burger King, The Cheesecake Factory, and more.

“Bringing Chipotle to Mexico is an important step in our growth and portfolio diversification strategy. 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. This week’s opening reflects our confidence in Mexico’s growth potential and our commitment to continuing to drive investment, job creation, and economic development in the communities where we operate,” Alsea CEO Christian Gurría said in a statement.

Chipotle signed its first international development agreement in July 2023 with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East. Boatwright said Chipotle has quickly become one of the top performing brands in Alshaya’s extensive portfolio that includes retail, pharmacy, optics, hotels, leisure and entertainment brands, and more. Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants also includes locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.