Chipotle accelerates Middle East expansion in partnership with Alshaya

Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed its first-ever development agreement with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East and accelerate its international expansion efforts. In partnership with Alshaya Group, Chipotle will initially open new restaurants in the UAE and Kuwait early next year before expanding further across the region.  

“We are proud to be Chipotle’s first and only franchise partner, as we continue to enhance our portfolio by bringing world leading brands to our customers across our markets,” said Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group.

“Leveraging Alshaya’s market expertise will enable us to quickly gain access to these vibrant economies,” added Brian Niccol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill. “We are excited to offer guests in the Middle East our responsibly sourced, classically cooked real food, and look forward to furthering our purpose to cultivate a better world in this new territory.”

Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes 33 locations in Canada; 15 in the UK with three more opening this summer; six locations in France; and two in Germany. In North America, the company currently owns and operates over 3,200 restaurants and is targeting 8-10% growth per year for the foreseeable future. Chipotle plans to open more than 255 new restaurants this year with a long-term target of 7,000 locations in North America.