The Chipotle Mexican Grill logo is seen in Manhattan, New York, United States of America, on July 6, 2024.
Beata Zawrzel | Getty images
Chipotle Mexican grill It will open its first location in Mexico at the beginning of next year as the last stage in its international expansion.
The company announced on Monday that it has signed a development agreement with Alsea, which operates Latin American and European locations of Starbucks, Pizza Domino and King BurgerAmong other chains.
After the initial restaurant opens in 2026, Chipotle plans to explore “additional expansion markets in the region”, which could mean a broader Latin American development.
The agreement to expand in Mexico occurs when President Donald Trump libra a commercial war with the country, striving the relationship between the two neighbors. The avocados of Mexico were originally subject to a 25% rate until it stopped new tasks on goods that complied with the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. While Chipotle has diversified its avocado supply in recent years, approximately half of its avocados in Mexico still imports.
In recent years, Chipotle has been trying to expand internationally, after decades, focusing almost completely on his United States business. The company operates 58 locations in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six in France and two in Germany. Chipotle also has three restaurants in Kuwait and two in the United Arab Emirates through an agreement with Alshaya Group.
Chipotle is betting that the familiarity of Mexico with its ingredients and the appreciation for fresh food will win over consumers, according to a statement from Nate Lawton, director of Commercial Development of Chipotle.
But American interpretations of Mexican food do not always resonate in the market; Yum Brands' Taco Bell has tried twice expanding to Mexico, but both efforts failed quickly.
