Chipotle Mexican Grill will open its first restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) later this month in partnership with Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise retail operator. Located at Sidra, the premier dining destination in Riyadh next to the Granada Mall, the restaurant marks Chipotle’s entry into Saudi Arabia and another milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.
A News Middle Eastern Market Expansion
Chipotle will open its first restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this month at Sidra in Riyadh, in partnership with Alshaya Group. The opening marks Chipotle’s entry into Saudi Arabia and continues the brand’s expansion across the Middle East.
The Riyadh restaurant will serve Chipotle’s menu of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, all made with responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real ingredients and prepared in an open kitchen. Guests will be able to customise their meals with a choice of proteins, rice, beans, salsas, toppings, and Chipotle’s signature hand-mashed guacamole.
“We’re pleased to introduce Chipotle to guests in Saudi Arabia for the first time,” said Nate Lawton, Chief Business Development Officer at Chipotle. “Expanding into the Kingdom advances our international growth strategy and provides a compelling opportunity to serve one of the Middle East’s most dynamic consumer markets. Riyadh is home to one of the region’s leading shopping and leisure destinations, making it an exceptional place to introduce our brand to both local guests and international visitors. Together with Alshaya Group, we look forward to delivering the distinctive Chipotle experience and establishing a strong long-term presence in the country.”
The opening builds on Chipotle’s continued expansion in partnership with Alshaya Group. Since 2024, Chipotle has opened 16 restaurants across the Middle East, including seven in the United Arab Emirates, seven in Kuwait, and two in Qatar.
Jeff Kellen, President, Hospitality division at Alshaya Group, said: “Since its launch in the region over two years ago, Chipotle has surpassed all expectations to become one of our most loved brands. Knowing how eagerly consumers in KSA have awaited its arrival, we look forward to meeting their expectations with Chipotle’s delicious, fresh, and real-ingredient menu.”
Chipotle’s International Growth
Chipotle continues to expand its international footprint with more than 80 company-owned restaurants in Canada, 21 in the U.K., six in France, and two in Germany. The company, in partnership with Alsea, a leading restaurant operator in Latin America, recently entered Mexico with its first restaurant in Nuevo León. Chipotle currently operates more than 4,200 restaurants worldwide and expects to open between 350 and 370 new restaurants in 2026 as it continues to execute its “Recipe for Growth” strategy, including a target of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Chipotle’s business development group, led by Lawton, continues to evaluate strategic opportunities to accelerate the company’s global expansion through partnerships, joint ventures, and development agreements. Information on submitting a proposal is available at https://ir.chipotle.com/contact-us.
