Chipotle reaches 20 site milestone in UK

Due to open on 6 September, the restaurant will hold around 50 covers and serve Chipotle’s signature menu of burritos, bowls, quesadillas, tacos and salads.

Diners will be able to order in restaurant, via the Chipotle UK app, or through a third-party delivery service like Uber Eats, Just Eat or Deliveroo with eat in and takeaway options available.

The opening marks a significant milestone for Chipotle’s UK expansion.

The brand made its UK debut on London’s Charing Cross Road back in 2010. A flurry of additional openings in central London followed, but its growth soon stalled. By 2020, Chipotle operated an estate of just eight UK sites, all based in the capital. 

Then, in early 2021, Chipotle chief executive Brian Niccol revealed that the group was considering plans to further grow its UK portfolio​​.

In subsequent years the group has expanded at a steady pace. While the majority of its expansion has remained concentrated in the capital, it has established a foothold outside of London in Watford​​.

Earlier this year, Jacob Sumner, director of European operations for Chipotle, said London remained an attractive growth area for Chipotle because UK consumers are ‘prioritising healthy and sustainable food options’.

Chipotle positions itself as serving ‘food with integrity’ that’s free from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

It operates more than 3,000 sites worldwide and claims to be the only company of its size that owns and operates all of its restaurants globally.

Earlier this month it was announced that Niccol would be leaving Chipotle to join Starbucks​​ as chairman and chief executive officer.

Chipotle COO Scott Boatwright will serve as interim CEO of the burrito chain.