CHIPOTLE SIGNS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH ALSEA TO OPEN RESTAURANTS IN MEXICO FOR THE FIRST TIME

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a development agreement with Alsea to open its first restaurant in Mexico by early 2026, marking its entry into the Mexican market [1][2] - The partnership aims to leverage Alsea's expertise in the Mexican restaurant industry to enhance Chipotle's international growth [2][6] - Chipotle's international expansion strategy includes previous agreements with Alshaya Group for openings in the Middle East, with a current portfolio of over 3,700 restaurants across various countries [3][5] Company Overview - Chipotle operates over 3,700 restaurants as of December 31, 2024, in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Kuwait, and the UAE, and is committed to serving responsibly sourced, real food [5] - The company plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants in 2025, with a long-term goal of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada [3][7] - Chipotle's business development group is actively exploring additional growth opportunities through partnerships [4] Alsea Group Overview - Alsea is a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, managing over 4,700 units across multiple countries [6] - The company supports its brands through a Shared Services Center that handles administrative and development processes, as well as supply chain management [6]