Chipotle Mexican Grill will open its first location in Mexico at the beginning of next year as the last stage of its international expansion.
The company announced on Monday that it had signed a development agreement with Alsea, which operates the Latin American and European locations of Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King, among other channels.
After the opening of the initial restaurant in 2026, Chipotle plans to explore “additional expansion markets in the region”, which could mean a broader Latin American development.
The agreement to develop in Mexico comes as President Donald Trump warns a trade war with the country, tending the relationship between the two neighbors. Mexico lawyers were originally subject to a price of 25% until it expects new tasks on goods in accordance with the American-mexico-Canada agreement. While Chipotle has diversified its lawyer’s supply in recent years, it is still important about half of its lawyers in Mexico.
In recent years, Chipotle has attempted to develop internationally, after decades almost completely focused on its American activities. 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 thanks to an agreement with Alshaya Group.
Chipotle is betting that the familiarity of Mexico with its ingredients and its appreciation for fresh food will conquer consumers, according to a press release from Nate Lawton, director of business development of Chipotle.
But American interpretations of Mexican food do not always resonate on the market; Taco Bell by Yum Brands tried twice to develop in Mexico, but both efforts quickly failed.
