Chipotle first-ever restaurant in Mexico causes shocking response

No one can resist a fully stacked burrito or burrito bowl with all the fixings, salsas, and a huge serving of freshly made guacamole to scoop up with some crunchy chips.

Now, imagine being deprived of this joy. Tragic. 

💵💰 Don’t miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet’s free daily newsletter 💵💰

Most Americans would say Chipotle is the king of all burrito chains, and thankfully for them, a location is always readily available when cravings hit. 

Although most of Chipotle’s restaurants are in the U.S., with over 3,700 locations nationwide, the company also has a limited presence across various international markets.

Since taking the first international leap by entering Canada in 2008, Chipotle has expanded to more countries worldwide. It now has 58 restaurants in Canada, 20 in the UK, six in France, and two in Germany.

Related: Chipotle responds to bankruptcy, store closure reports

The restaurant chain signed its first international development agreement in July 2023 with Alshaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East. Nearly two years later, three Chipotle locations have opened.

However, the company plans to continue expanding to more territories, bringing the Chipotle brand to more consumers. It plans to open 315 to 345 new restaurants this year, with a long-term target of opening 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as stated in a press release.

Despite having multiple locations worldwide and more in the works, there is one country where no Chipotle locations can be found, which might surprise many.  

Chipotle to open its first-ever location in Mexico.

Image source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Chipotle to open its first-ever location in Mexico after over 30 years

In over 30 years since its inception, Chipotle has never entered the Latin American market. Despite having an entire menu and branding inspired by Mexican culture and its flavors with an Americanized twist, this quick-service restaurant has no presence in any Latin American country.

However, Chipotle  (CMG)  has waited long enough and is ready to pay homage to the culture that has inspired its beloved brand since 1993 by entering a new territory.

Related: Major restaurant chain isn’t worried about Mexican avocados

Chipotle has signed a development agreement with Alsea, a leading Latin American and European restaurant operator, to open the first-ever Chipotle restaurant in Mexico in 2026. No exact location has yet been revealed, but many speculate it could be Mexico City, since it is the country’s capital.

“We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” said Chipotle Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton in the announcement. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company,” he added.

Social media reacts to Chipotle’s expansion, and the response is not as expected

Although Chipotle states that it is confident in the chain’s success in Mexico because the country’s cuisine inspires its food, some netizens are not as sure about this assumption. 

Many users on X brought up the fact that Taco Bell  (YUM)  tried expanding to Mexico but failed twice. 

An X user posted: “I feel that this was not a well-executed decision. Compare it to other cases: Mexicans said ‘No thanks, Taco Bell.’ Chinese said ‘No thanks, Panda Express.'”

Another netizen commented: “It won’t work, just ask Taco Bell.”

More Food News:

Starbucks menu brings back beloved favorites (and 1 surprise)McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Subway fined for major misstepsMcDonald’s teases return of item fans have long clamored for

Other people on social media stated that there are already other chains and local restaurants in Mexico with a concept similar to Chipotle’s, but for a more affordable price, which puts the chain at a disadvantage. 

A user on X explained this by posting: “Will be problematic because Chipotle already has rivals on Mexican soil. Dobo and Super Salads are some of its Mexican franchise rivals, also various informal or smaller local businesses offer the same products Chipotle offers, [but] at a better price.” 

Other netizens, including Mexican users on X, made fun of the idea of bringing ‘inauthentic’ Mexican food to a country whose cuisine focuses on traditional dishes, with some posting pictures of authentic Mexican food in response. 

An X user commented: “Great idea because Mexicans will start consuming not Mexican food while being in Mexico.”

Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast