Chipotle “Mexican Grill” is coming to Mexico for the first time in 2026

Anyone in Mexico that’s stumped as to where they could possibly go to get a taco or a burrito finally has an answer: Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first-ever outpost in the country, the company announced on Monday.

Step asada

The California-based chain said it will partner with Alsea — a Mexico City-based restaurant operator that has successfully brought brands like Starbucks, Chili’s, and the Cheesecake Factory to Latin America — to open a new location in Mexico in early 2026. In the press release, Chipotle confidently cited “familiarity with [their] ingredients” as a reason why the brand’s “classically-cooked” food will “resonate with guests in Mexico.” 

However, American takes on its southern neighbor’s cuisine don’t always hit in the Mexican market. Even Yum! Brands’ Taco Bell, the biggest Mexican restaurant chain in the US with over 8,000 locations, has twice tried — and twice failed — to open in the country.

Despite its failure in the home of its namesake fare, Taco Bell has still seen sales soar over the last decade, peaking at $17 billion last year. And while Chipotle isn’t quite at that level going into its southern expansion, it’s growing more quickly than its closest rival, with restaurant revenues up 15% year over year.

See the full article here.