Chipotle Mexican Grill, a famous Mexican chain in the US, announced its plan to open its first store in Korea and Singapore in the first half of 2026. Signing a joint venture with Korea’s multinational food conglomerate SPC Group on Sept. 10, Chipotle marked its first expansion to Asia.

Chipotle is a popular brand among young generations, known for selling customizable burritos, tacos, and salads made with gluten-free ingredients. More than just representing Mexican food, Chipotle is recognized as one of the pioneers of the fast-casual dining model, emphasizing convenience and speed without sacrificing food quality. Many international students who cherished the experience at Chipotle abroad are anticipating its arrival in Korea.

“I tried Chipotle when I was in the US, and I fell in love with it right away,” Olivia Lee (9), a Western food enthusiast, said. “But since Chipotle isn’t in Korea, I frequently went to other restaurants that sold similar food to Chipotle. I’m very excited for Chipotle opening in Korea, and I think students here in SIS will also be interested in trying it, since Chipotle is known around the world and is known for tasting good.”

Chipotle made its debut in Asia through a partnership with SPC Group, which was previously successful in  introducing major global food brands to South Korea, including Baskin-Robbins and Shake Shack. Recognizing Koreans’ and Singaporeans’ familiarity with Chipotle and their passion for international culinary experiences, SPC Group hopes to replicate this success by introducing Chipotle as a recognizable and competitive dining option in Korea and Singapore.

“The first time I tried Chipotle was in middle school in Virginia, and it was like everyone’s fast food chain,” Danella Donado, a Chipotle enthusiast, said. “I think many young generations like the customization of being able to build their own bowl, and they also like that they can see all the fresh ingredients in front of them. I hope Chipotle succeeds in adapting to Korean taste because it is kind of a rice bowl, with the base of it being rice, and it’s just like meat on top. The spices might be a little bit different, but Koreans love spicy food, and I am sure that they will fall in love with Chipotle.”