Chipotle Mexican Grill is taking its popular burritos south of the border.
The Newport Beach, California-based fast-casual chain announced on Monday that it is expanding into Mexico in a partnership with Alsea, a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe.
The first location is expected to open in early 2026.
“We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” said Nate Lawton, the company’s Chief Business Development Officer. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company.”
Chipotle will attempt to succeed where other U.S.-based Mexican food chains have failed. Taco Bell famously tried twice to expand into Mexico, first in the 1990s and again in the mid-2000s, only to see its last Mexican location close in 2010.
Executives hope Chipotle’s appeal in Mexico will not only be successful, but also lead to broader expansion in the region.
“We are proud to work with an iconic brand like Chipotle and help grow its international business for years to come,” said Alsea CEO Armando Torrado.
Chipotle was founded in Colorado in 1993 and moved its corporate headquarters to California in 2018. At the end of 2024, it had over 3,700 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.