Chipotle heads to Mexico with first restaurant in Monterrey area
Chipotle says its first Mexico restaurant opens Thursday in San Pedro Garza García, with Mexico City planned for 2027.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
2 min read
Chipotle is taking its burrito line to Mexico for the first time, with a new restaurant scheduled to open Thursday in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, the company said Monday.
The location sits in the Monterrey metropolitan area and marks the U.S. fast-casual chain’s first opening in the country under a development agreement with Alsea, the restaurant operator that signed on to help bring the brand into Mexico.
Chipotle said the debut is the start of a broader Mexico rollout. The company said it plans to expand into Mexico City in 2027, though it did not give a full store count for the country.
Why Monterrey gets the first bite
Chipotle said it picked the Monterrey area because of its strong economy, rising population and role as one of Mexico’s business and innovation centers.
The first restaurant will serve the same menu as Chipotle’s U.S. locations, according to the company. That means the chain is entering Mexico with its familiar format built around customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and salads.
CEO Scott Boatwright said in a company statement that Chipotle is entering the country with respect for Mexico’s culinary heritage and with a focus on delivering its restaurant experience well. He said company research found interest in freshly prepared food with customization and convenience.
A bigger growth push
The Mexico opening lands as Chipotle pushes for more growth after what CNBC described as a stagnant year for the chain. The company plans to open 350 to 370 additional restaurants this year, according to the report.
International expansion through partners is part of that plan. Chipotle and Alsea reached their Mexico development agreement last year, setting up the chain’s move into a market tied closely to the food traditions that inspired much of its menu.
Chipotle already operates more than 4,100 restaurants worldwide, according to the company. Its international footprint includes locations in countries across Europe and the Middle East.
Alsea is a major restaurant group with experience operating global dining brands. Chipotle’s agreement with the company gives it a local partner as it begins testing demand in Mexico, starting with one of the country’s wealthiest and most commercially active metro areas.
The company did not announce further Mexican cities beyond Monterrey and Mexico City. For now, Thursday’s opening gives Chipotle its first real test in Mexico, a market where customers will be able to compare the chain’s U.S.-built take on Mexican-inspired fast casual dining with the country’s own food culture.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.