Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership, SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, and Chipotle plan to open the first Chipotle restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026.
“With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” said Scott Boatwright, Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with notable brand awareness among consumers, we see potential for strong adoption out of the gate.”
“Given the familiarity of this iconic brand among Koreans and Singaporeans, and their passion for exceptional culinary experiences, these two markets are ideal entry points for Chipotle in Asia,” said Heesoo Hur, Executive Vice President and owner of SPC Group. “In addition, we have a proven track record of developing global brands and we see an opportunity for leveraging our market expertise to introduce Chipotle’s delicious, responsibly sourced food to guests across the continent who aren’t yet familiar with the concept’s real ingredients prepared fresh daily.”
Chipotle’s Cultural Relevance
Over the years, many Korean consumers including popular K-Pop artists have developed a passion for the brand after trying Chipotle’s real food for the first time while visiting the U.S. In 2021, a member of the best-selling K-pop group of all-time famously referred to the restaurant as “Chicotle” and said he wanted to “eat [it] every day.” In response, Chipotle temporarily changed its name on X to “Chicotle” in honor of its newest fan and partnered with a fan account of the band on X to give away thousands of free entrees to followers of the group in the U.S. (see here).
In 2023, Chipotle received another notable shoutout from two members of a prominent K-pop girl group who explained they “couldn’t live without Chipotle” despite not being able to access it in Korea (see here).
Chipotle’s International Expansion
Chipotle signed its first international development agreement in July 2023 with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East. Alshaya Group currently operates three restaurants in Kuwait and three in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2025, Chipotle signed a development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time. Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. (Alsea), a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, will open the first Chipotle location in Mexico in 2026 and begin exploring additional expansion markets in the region.
Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes over 60 locations in Canada; 20 in the United Kingdom; six locations in France; and two in Germany. The company currently operates over 3,800 restaurants and plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year, with a long-term target of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
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 ir.Chipotle.com/contact-us.