Chipotle to enter Mexico with first location set for 2026 via Alsea partnership

MEXICO – Chipotle has signed a development agreement with Alsea, a prominent restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, to launch its first location in Mexico by early 2026, marking a significant step in the brand’s international expansion strategy.

It is not yet clear whether this expansion will focus on Latin America as a whole, Central America specifically, or different regions within Mexico.

However, the partnership aligns with Chipotle’s broader goal of growing its global footprint through strategic alliances with established regional operators.

This deal follows Chipotle’s 2023 partnership with Alshaya Group to develop locations in the Middle East, with the first outlet already launched.

The collaboration with Alsea opens access to several new markets, supported by Alsea’s expansive presence and operational strength across both quick-service and full-service restaurant formats.

Alsea operates over 4,700 restaurant units across 11 countries including Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

The company also manages a portfolio of top-tier American brands such as Starbucks, Domino’s, Burger King, TGI Fridays, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, and Chili’s.

Its deep expertise in operating U.S. concepts abroad makes it a strong fit for supporting Chipotle’s entry and growth in these markets.

Chipotle’s long-term plan is to grow its restaurant count to 7,000 across the U.S. and Canada. Currently, the brand has more than 3,700 locations globally, including over 90 international outlets.

These include 58 units in Canada, 20 in the U.K., six in France, and two in Germany. In 2025, Chipotle expects to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants, underscoring the brand’s aggressive growth strategy.

During the Q4 2024 earnings call, Chipotle’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Boatwright said the company is focused this year on accelerating growth in Canada and the Middle East.

He also noted that the brand is refining its operational model in Europe under a new U.K.-based leadership team.

This has led to improved restaurant-level margins and greater confidence in long-term viability.

Boatwright added that Chipotle sees the potential for building hundreds of restaurants in existing European markets, and potentially thousands in adjacent regions, as the brand builds a pipeline for sustained international growth.

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