Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Monday that it will open its first restaurant in Mexico on Thursday in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, in partnership with Alsea, a restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe.
The opening is the first location to open under a development agreement Chipotle and Alsea announced in April 2025, the company said
Chipotle and Alsea plan to open additional restaurants in Nuevo León later this year and expand into Mexico City in 2027. Chipotle Chief Executive Officer Scott Boatwright said in a statement that the company is entering Mexico with “deep respect for the country’s culinary heritage” and that its research confirmed demand for convenient, customizable food. Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton described the first location as an “important proof-of-concept” that will help the company understand local consumer preferences.
Chipotle said it chose the Monterrey area for its robust economy, expanding population, and reputation as one of Mexico’s premier centers for business and innovation. The new restaurant’s menu will mirror what Chipotle serves at its other locations, offering burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and quesadillas. The move has drawn skepticism on social media, according to Yahoo Finance.