The very popular Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed an agreement to open restaurants in the Middle East and accelerate its international expansion efforts in partnership with Alshaya Group. As per the current plans expect Chipotle Dubai and Kuwait restaurants to open up early next year before the brand expands to other cities across the region.
“We are excited to offer guests in the Middle East our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food, and look forward to furthering our purpose to cultivate a better world in this new territory.” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol.
Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, said: “In announcing this exclusive partnership across the Middle East, we are proud to be Chipotle’s first and only franchise partner, as we continue to enhance our portfolio by bringing world-leading brands to our customers across our markets.”
Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes locations in Canada and the United Kingdom with more opening in France and Germany.
Are you excited about Chipotle Dubai?
I’m quite excited about the opening on Chipotle Dubai and can’t wait to try the Burritos and Tacos. I do wonder if we’ll see the first restaurant inside a mall such as Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, or, will it be a standalone one. Let us know in the comments if you’re also looking forward to it?
2 Comments
As someone who has heard of Chiptole but never tried it – despite having every opportunity – I am very excited. I hope it won’t be an Al Baik like disappointment, and the taste and quality will be close to what is offered in the States. However, I do expect the prices to be astronomically high comparatively. But that’s how it goes in Dubai.
Chipotle isn’t cheap in the US either. Their concept is fresh and organic food and that tends to be on the higher side. Having said that, you never know how inflated the local pricing will be.