Alert – Chipotle’s shock restaurant expansion into new country is mocked by customers

Fans cannot stop mocking Chipotle’s newest and ‘pointless’ business venture.

The restaurant chain stirred up a social media frenzy after announcing April 21 that it had signed a new development agreement.

The agreement, in partnership with the restaurant operator Alsea, will allow Chipotle to open its first restaurant in Mexico next year.

‘We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,’ said chief business development officer Nate Lawson. 

‘The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company.’

Despite the potential attraction, fans cannot stop comparing the business move to restaurateurs ‘opening an Olive Garden in Italy.’ 

Others have compared the opening to a ‘Panda Express in Beijing,’ and a Subway selling ‘”steak and cheese” in Philly.’ 

Chipotle announced plans to open its first restaurant in Mexico in 2026 through a partnership with Alsea

Many X users who called the venture a ‘joke’ claimed the chain’s food is more expensive than other options in Mexico.

‘Chipotle is too sweet / not spicy / not enough meat on burritos by mexican standards, this works in America but won’t go far in mexico, ask Italians how they feel about american pizza lol,’ a fan wrote.

‘This is pointless imo street tacos are everywhere in Mexico $1 for the most authentic taco you’ll ever have or a $10 chipotle bowl…..,’ another person claimed. 

Although social media appears unimpressed with the announcement, Alsea is thrilled over the partnership. 

‘We are proud to work with an iconic brand like Chipotle and help grow its international business for years to come,’ said Alsea CEO Armando Torrado.

‘Through this development agreement, we will continue to leverage our vast knowledge of the Mexican consumer and restaurant industry expertise to bring our customers the best food experiences and brands from around the world.’

Chipotle has not shared what foods will be included in its upcoming Mexico store’s menu.

However, social media users are hoping the restaurant will have less ‘American style’ and more ‘Mexican’ options.

Chipotle operates several stores outside the US in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East

Social media users mocked and slammed Chipotle for its decision to expand the chain to Mexico

Chipotle made headlines in 2023 after signing its first international development agreement with the Alshaya Group.

This deal allowed the chain to open restaurants in the Middle East.

As of now, three restaurants in Kuwait and two in United Arab Emirates are open.

Chipotle also operates locations in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany.

The restaurant chain is in the process of opening between 315 and 345 eateries this year.

The company has not announced where each store will open, but that it’s long term goal is to open 7,000 restaurants in the US and Canada.

Chipotle currently operates more than 3,700 restaurants worldwide. It plans to open between 315 and 345 locations this year

The restaurant chain was one of many that hiked its prices following tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

It sources products from regional and local suppliers nationwide, but also receives them from other tariff recipients like and China.

The company had already been under fire for raising its menu prices, which affected its financial performance from October to December of last year.

Chipotle’s quarterly performance did not stop it from having ‘another outstanding year,’ after having racked in $11.3 billion in revenue last year.

It also opened 119 company-owned restaurants, with 95 locations featuring a Chipotle and one being outside the US. 

Including these new locations, Chipotle operates more than 3,700 restaurants worldwide.