Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced the opening of its first location in Kuwait City, in partnership with leading international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group. The restaurant has been operating with adjusted hours since the beginning of the month to account for holidays and training and is set to hold its official grand opening. Chipotle's location in Kuwait has marked the first time the company has entered a new country in over 10 years.
The new restaurant is located at The Avenues, Kuwait's largest shopping mall and a hub for international and local brands with over 1,100 stores and approximately one million visitors per week.
"In partnership with Alshaya Group, we worked tirelessly to ensure that we delivered an exceptional first impression in Kuwait with our freshly prepared menu of real ingredients and we are encouraged by the early results," said chief business development Officer Nate Lawton.
"Together, we'll continue to gather insights on regional preferences and adapt accordingly as we grow our presence in the region and expand upon our mission to Cultivate a Better World."
John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer, Alshaya Group, said consumers have long awaited Chipotle's arrival in the Middle East.
"The feedback received so far has confirmed that we're delivering the same delicious culinary experience that guests have had in their U.S. locations. 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 location in our exclusive partnership with Chipotle." said Hadden.
The new location in Kuwait is the first Chipotle restaurant to feature the company's new design format. Over the past several years, Chipotle's development team has been developing concepts that deploy new materials, textures, and artwork to amplify the company's commitment to Food with Integrity while paying homage to historic designs.
In July 2023, Chipotle signed its first-ever development agreement to open restaurants in partnership with the Alshaya Group. Chipotle and Alshaya plan to open the first Chipotle location in Dubai later this year.
Chipotle's existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes 41 locations in Canada, 19 in the United KingdoM, six locations in France, and two in Germany. In North America, the company currently owns and operates over 3,400 restaurants and is targeting eight to 10 percent growth per year for the foreseeable future with at least 80 percent, including a Chipotlane.
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