Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) opened its first location in Kuwait in partnership with leading international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group. Since the opening, the restaurant’s performance has exceeded our benchmarks and continues to deliver strong results. Chipotle’s location in The Avenues – Kuwait marks the first time the company has entered a new country in over 10 years.

Chipotle is expected to open its first Dubai restaurant this October at The Beach – JBR in partnership with Merex Investment, a joint venture between Dubai Holding and Brookfield Asset Management.

“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 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. 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.”

Expanding Access

To simplify its ordering experience for new guests, the Kuwait restaurant in The Avenues offers three ordering methods:

• Guests can order their craveable burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads in traditional Chipotle fashion by progressing through the front makeline and ordering ingredient by ingredient.
• The Kuwait restaurant features a kiosk ordering system that executes pick-up orders and enables menu exploration for first-time guests.
• Tables at the restaurant feature QR codes that drive guests to download the Alshaya Chipotle mobile app for pick-up orders. This method is especially convenient for large families ordering multiple entrees.
• As a digital-only menu item, guests can order a quesadilla via the kiosk or mobile app.

Unveiling a New Design

The new location in Kuwait is the first Chipotle restaurant featuring the company’s all new design format. Over the past several years, Chipotle’s development team has been building out concepts that deploy new materials, textures, and artwork to amplify the company’s commitment to Food with Integrity while paying homage to historic designs. New elements include:

• Wood Tile Floor: replacing Chipotle’s traditional concrete floor, it fills the restaurant with warmth and rich patterns.
• Corten Art Wall: the legacy architectural material is transformed into an elevated focal wall that heroes the iconic Chipotle pepper.
• Corten Ceiling Element: this large-scale metal ceiling and lighting element creates a layer of visual richness throughout the space.
• New Wall Finishes: updated surfaces and artisan materials are more textural and help impart a feeling of freshness.

Growing Chipotle’s International Presence

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 8 to 10% growth per year for the foreseeable future with at least 80% including a Chipotlane.