Chipotle expands into Southeast Asia with SPC Group partnership
- Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a joint venture with SPC Group to open restaurants in Asia.
- The expansion targets South Korea and Singapore, with plans to launch by 2026.
- This venture reflects Chipotle's strategy to tap into the growing demand for diverse dining options in these markets.
On September 10, 2025, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced its plans to expand into Asia through a collaboration with South Korea-based SPC Group. This partnership aims to introduce Chipotle's restaurant offerings in South Korea and Singapore by 2026. Chipotle's Chief Executive Officer, Scott Boatwright, highlighted the significant growth opportunity presented by the rapidly changing dining landscape, driven by consumers' preferences for diverse and convenient meal options. The companies believe that Chipotle's established brand awareness will facilitate strong customer adoption in these new markets. SPC Group has been recognized as one of South Korea's leading food giants and has a proven track record of establishing global brands within the region. Heesoo Hur, owner and executive vice president of SPC Group, endorsed Chipotle's expansion into these markets, citing the familiarity of Chipotle among local consumers and their enthusiasm for culinary experiences. He emphasized the company's commitment to offering real, responsibly sourced food and highlighted SPC's market expertise as instrumental in navigating this new venture. Chipotle has seen increasing visibility in Korea and Singapore, attributed partly to the global popularity of South Korean K-pop artists and their frequent visits to the United States. The brand's expanded recognition suggests a favorable reception for its offerings in the targeted regions. In addition to these developments in Asia, Chipotle made headlines earlier in 2023 by initiating its first international expansion through a partnership with Aishaya Group to establish locations in the Middle East, reaffirming their commitment to growth beyond North America. Additionally, Chipotle entered an agreement with Alsea S.A. Bde C.V. to introduce their restaurants in Mexico. By now, the chain operates more than 3,800 locations across the United States and Canada, with aspirations to expand to 7,000 locations. This nationwide presence underscores the company's successful business model based on quality ingredients and customer-centric dining experiences. The strategic focus on foreign partnerships signifies a new chapter in Chipotle's operational approach, which aims to capitalize on expanding markets while ensuring consistent quality and service standards.