- Chipotle announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with Kuwait-based Alshaya Group, its first-ever franchise partner, to open locations in the Middle East next year.
- Chipotle currently has just over 50 locations in Canada and Europe, all of which are company owned and operated. This also applies to its roughly 3,200 U.S. locations. The Alshaya agreement marks the first time Chipotle has enlisted a local franchise retail operator as it expands into a new market.
Why it matters
Known for its quick-service Mexican cuisine, Chipotle presently possesses and manages more than 3,200 eateries throughout North America. The company aims for a steady growth rate of 8 to 10% annually in the coming years, and this includes the incorporation of Chipotlane, its drive-thru concept introduced in 2019.
