US-based Chipotle Mexican restaurants come to London
Chipotle Mexican Grill, the popular US-based burrito restaurant chain, is to launch in the UK next year, with its first site set to open on London’s Charing Cross Road in April.
Serving a bespoke menu of burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and salads with over 60,000 dish combinations, Chipotle is known in the US for its commitment to serving fast food made from sustainably sourced ingredients, which includes humanely raised meat and local and organic produce.
Perfect London concept
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-chief executive of Chipotle, said the restaurant’s commitment to serving ‘food with integrity’ made it perfect for the UK, in particular London.
“London has become an important food city over the years, especially because of the awareness of and desire for things like locally sourced, seasonal, and artisan ingredients,” he said. “We believe Londoners will appreciate our efforts to serve food that is raised right and in a way that is so accessible.
"I think we'll be able to source beautiful ingredients from local and sustainable sources from the time we open in the UK, and establish sustainable supply chains elsewhere as we look at other European markets.”
While additional London sites are currently being sought for opening next year, the group is also looking at properties in Paris and Munich to aid its European expansion.
Chipotle first launched in 1993 and now operates more than 900 restaurants in the US, each of which features the Mayan-inspired artwork of sculptor Bruce Gueswel, and uses the same simple materials to create individually designed interiors.
Find out more about the ethos behind Chipotle in this ABC news interview with founder Steve Ells
