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Chipotle will officially debut in Saudi Arabia later this month in partnership with international franchise operator Alshaya Group. The restaurant is located at Sidra, the premier dining destination in Riyadh next to the Granada Mall. It will feature Chipotle's signature menu of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, and guests can customize their orders with a choice of proteins, rice, beans, salsas, and toppings.
In a statement, Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton said expanding into Saudi Arabia advances Chipotle's international growth strategy and "provides a compelling opportunity to serve one of the Middle East's most dynamic consumer markets."
Riyadh, he added, is home to one of the region's leading shopping and leisure destinations, making it an ideal place to introduce the brand in the market.
"Together with Alshaya Group, we look forward to delivering the distinctive Chipotle experience and establishing a strong long-term presence in the country," he said.
Chipotle signed its agreement with Alshaya Group in July 2023 to expand in the region, marking the fast-casual chain's first-ever franchise agreement. The brand opened in Dubai and Kuwait in 2024. The Kuwait opening was the first time Chipotle entered a new country in more than 10 years. Since, Chipotle has opened 16 restaurants across the Middle East, including seven in the United Arab Emirates, seven in Kuwait, and two in Qatar.
Alshaya Group President Jeff Kellen said Chipotle has surpassed all expectations since its launch in the region. Alshaya Group, first established in Kuwait in 1890, has a presence across MENA, Türkiye and Europe, and a foodservice portfolio that includes Starbucks, P.F. Chang's, Pinkberry, Shake Shack, and the Cheesecake Factory. It also operates in the fashion, health and beauty, pharmacy, home furnishings, and leisure and entertainment sectors.
Notably, the Saudi Arabia opening comes on the heels of Chipotle's debut in Mexico last month. Chipotle's international footprint now includes more than 80 company-owned restaurants in Canada, 21 in the United Kingdom, six in France, and two in Germany.
Shortly after Scott Boatwright was named CEO of Chipotle in late 2024, he said he wanted the chain to become more of an "iconic global brand."
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
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