Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a development agreement with Alsea to open its first restaurants in Mexico.

The partnership will also explore further opportunities within the region, indicating a broader strategy for growth in Latin America.

The first location is set to open by early next year.

Chipotle chief business development officer Nate Lawton said: "We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico. The country's familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company."

The collaboration with Alsea follows Chipotle's first international development agreement, signed in July 2023 with Alshaya Group.

This partnership has successfully launched three Chipotle restaurants across Kuwait and two in the UAE.

Chipotle's international presence also includes 58 locations in Canada, 20 in the UK, six in France, and two in Germany.

The chain currently operates more than 3,700 restaurants worldwide and has plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year.

The company has set a long-term goal of reaching 7,000 locations, primarily focused on the US and Canadian markets.

Alsea is a restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe. The company operates over 4,700 units in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay and Paraguay. 

Alsea chief executive officer Armando Torrado said: "We are proud to work with an iconic brand like Chipotle and help grow its international business for years to come. Through this development agreement, we will continue to leverage our vast knowledge of the Mexican consumer and restaurant industry expertise to bring our customers the best food experiences and brands from around the world."

Last month, Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled the new hot Honey Chicken protein option, combining grilled chicken seasoned with Mexican spices and a marinade of smoked chipotle peppers with honey.