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Chipotle Sticks with Expansion Plans

Chain still growing despite downbeat results

Published

5 months ago

July 24, 2025

VMSD Staff

Chipotle Sticks with Expansion Plans — As has been the case for several years now, Chipotle says most of its new restaurants in 2025 will include a drive-through. Photo: jetcityimage/iStock by Getty Images

As has been the case for several years now, Chipotle says most of its new restaurants in 2025 will include a drive-through. Photo: jetcityimage/iStock by Getty Images

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (Newport Beach, Calif.) said it still plans to open 315 to 345 new company-owned restaurants this year. The chain included that projection in a news release detailing financial results for its second quarter ended June 30.

Those results include these figures: Sales rose 3% from a year earlier, driven by the opening of 61 eateries during the period, while its comparable sales fell 4%, due to lower transaction numbers. It also reported drops in its operating margin and diluted earnings per share.

But looking ahead, “We are seeing momentum build as we rolled out our summer marketing initiatives and as our comparisons ease,” said CEO Scott Boatwright. “… I am optimistic that our positive momentum will continue as we further support our world-class people with new tools to improve execution, introduce new menu innovations, amplify our rewards program and introduce this great brand to more communities around the globe.”

The company also noted that more than 80% of the planned new units will come with drive-ins, a configuration that it added to its lineup starting in 2019.

Overall, Chipotle currently has 3,800 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom France, Germany, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. (All its restaurants in North America and Europe are company-owned.)

VMSD Staff

Drawing on more than 125 years of history serving the retail design market, VMSD magazine provides retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news through its industry-leading magazine, website, social media channels and bulletins.

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