In partnership with the Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise retail operator, Chipotle's first location in the Middle East has opened in Kuwait. This marks the first time Chipotle has entered a new country in over 10 years.
Alshaya Group plans to further accelerate Chipotle's international growth by opening the company's first location in Dubai later this year, with a total of four new restaurants anticipated in 2024.
"Consumers have long awaited Chipotle's arrival here in the Middle East, and the feedback we've received so far has confirmed that we're delivering the same delicious culinary experience that guests have had in their U.S. locations," says John Hadden, chief executive officer, Alshaya Group, "We're proud to have introduced this popular American restaurant to Kuwait and we're looking forward to Dubai later this year, as the first locations in our exclusive partnership with Chipotle."
Over the past several years, Chipotle's development team has been building out concepts that deploy new materials, textures, and artwork. The new location in Kuwait is the first Chipotle restaurant featuring the company's newest design. Included in this design is the replacement of Chipotle's signature concrete floor with a wood-look tile. Additionally, the large-scale metal ceiling and lighting elements match the steel frame around the iconic Chipotle pepper on the wall.
Images courtesy of Chipotle
