Chipotle, the popular American fast-casual restaurant known for its burritos and bowls, is going big with its expansion plans. During its recent earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright announced that the brand aims to open between 315 to 345 new restaurants by 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing chains in the fast food industry right now.
That number includes a large number of locations with Chipotlanes—special drive-thru lanes for customers to pick up online and mobile orders quickly and easily.
What’s a Chipotlane?
Chipotlanes are a key part of the company’s growth strategy. These are not traditional drive-thrus where you order at a speaker. Instead, customers order online or through the app and then simply drive through to pick up their food. It’s faster, reduces wait times, and matches today’s on-the-go lifestyle.
Over 80% of the new restaurants opening by 2026 are expected to include a Chipotlane.
Going International: New Markets in Focus
Chipotle’s expansion isn’t limited to the U.S. The company also announced plans to open 15 to 20 new restaurants in Canada and another five locations in the Middle East.
Even more interesting is its new partnership with Alsea, a leading restaurant operator. This deal will help bring Chipotle to Mexico—a significant move, considering it’s the country where many of the chain’s dishes are inspired from. The Mexico openings are expected to begin in 2026, though no specific number of stores has been confirmed yet.
Riding Through Challenges, Staying Affordable
Boatwright admitted that the company has faced some challenges lately, including bad weather and slow consumer spending. However, he said that Chipotle is working hard to improve service and continue growing as a “global iconic brand.”
One way the company is keeping customers happy is by keeping prices reasonable. Most of Chipotle’s bestsellers, like chicken burritos and bowls, are priced under $10, which is about 30% cheaper than some competitors, according to the CEO.
Boatwright said he’s confident that the chain will return to positive sales growth by the second half of the year.
Global Tariffs May Affect Prices
Chipotle CFO Adam Rymer also discussed the potential impact of new global tariffs, including those recently announced by the Trump administration.
Rymer said these tariffs will likely raise costs on several items. For now, he estimates a 0.5% impact on expenses, with a 0.2% effect expected in Q2. The company is also keeping an eye on tariffs delayed for 90 days, and the possible 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, though those aren’t factored into current financial forecasts.
Chipotle Honey Chicken – Leaving Soon?
A popular menu item, Chipotle Honey Chicken, which launched in March 2025 after successful testing, is expected to leave the menu soon. While there’s no official end date, the CEO hinted that it would remain through May. Fans of the dish can expect it to return again in the future, as it was a major success.
Rumors and Rewards
In March, some rumors went viral online suggesting that Chipotle might be filing for bankruptcy due to a few store closures. However, the company has strongly denied these rumors, and its current growth plans clearly show strong business health.
Chipotle also recently relaunched its Vault game, where customers can win exciting rewards—including the chance to get free burritos for a whole year.
Chipotle is proving that even in a challenging economy, smart planning, digital innovation, and customer-focused pricing can lead to big growth.
With hundreds of new restaurants on the way and exciting international plans, the brand is working hard to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re a fan of fast, fresh, and affordable meals, it looks like Chipotle is going to be even more available in the coming years.