Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched its first Asian outlet in Seoul, South Korea, by partnering with Sangmidang Holdings, formerly known as SPC Group.
Located in the Seocho-gu district, the restaurant will be operated by S&C Restaurants Holdings, a joint venture between the restaurant chain and Sangmidang Holdings.
Sangmidang Holdings president and chief vision officer Hee-soo Hur said: “We are thrilled to bring Chipotle to South Korean consumers following tremendous anticipation for the brand's arrival.
“Chipotle offers a distinctive dining experience centred on choice, quality and the freedom for every guest to create a meal that reflects their individual tastes.
“We are proud to introduce the brand to Asia and committed to delivering the authentic Chipotle experience our guests expect."
Under the arrangement, Sangmidang Holdings provides domestic market familiarity, restaurant sector experience, and operational capabilities while Chipotle contributes its food preparation and culinary standards.
Sangmidang Holdings will oversee the local operations in South Korea, including ingredient procurement, cooking techniques, staff instruction, and day-to-day restaurant management.
The Seoul location offers Chipotle's standard customisable format, serving bowls, burritos, quesadillas, salads and tacos, using the brand's established recipes and ingredients.
South Korea will act as a reference base for Chipotle's broader Asian expansion, the company said in a statement.
The partnership intends to open two additional branches in South Korea before the end of this year, ahead of an initial store opening in Singapore scheduled for 2027.
Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said: “Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Chipotle, with strong demand for variety, convenience and real food prepared fresh and served fast.
“South Korea, in particular, is an ideal market to introduce Chipotle to the region, and we see tremendous potential to grow from here.
“As we scale across Asia, we will remain focused on what has always differentiated Chipotle—a delicious, customisable meal at a value you can't find anywhere else.”
Separately, Chipotle's business development division, led by chief business development officer Nate Lawton, is also reviewing further commercial expansion opportunities through third-party partnerships.
In July, Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first restaurant in Nuevo León in Mexico as part of its international expansion plan.
