Al-Shaikh launches Chipotle in Saudi Arabia

The Alshaya Group announced the launch of Chipotle Mexican Grill (listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol: CMG) in Saudi Arabia, with the opening of its first restaurant in Riyadh this August.

This opening marks a new and significant milestone in Chipotle’s expansion journey in the Middle East, offering customers in the Kingdom the opportunity to enjoy, for the first time, the brand’s signature dishes prepared from real ingredients sourced responsibly and cooked using the traditional methods the brand is known for.

The new Riyadh restaurant will serve Chipotle’s distinctive menu, including burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, all prepared from real ingredients in an open kitchen that allows guests to watch their meals being made.

Guests will also be able to customize their meals according to their preferences, choosing from a variety of proteins, rice, beans, sauces, and toppings, along with Chipotle’s famous guacamole, to enjoy the same experience that has made the brand one of the most prominent global names in the restaurant industry.

The Chipotle restaurant will open in Sidra, one of the most prominent dining destinations in the heart of the capital, next to Granada Mall. Guests can reach the location via Exit 9 on Imam Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Road.

For his part, Nate Luton, Head of Business Development at Chipotle, said: “We are delighted to introduce Chipotle to our customers in Saudi Arabia for the first time. The Kingdom represents a key market in our global growth strategy and a promising opportunity to expand in one of the most vibrant consumer markets in the Middle East. Furthermore, opening the restaurant in Riyadh, which hosts some of the region’s top shopping and entertainment destinations, provides an ideal platform to introduce our brand to local customers and visitors from around the world. We look forward, in collaboration with the Alshaya Group, to delivering the distinctive Chipotle experience and laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the region.”

For his part, Jeff Kellen, Head of Hospitality at the Alshaya Group, said: “Since launching Chipotle in the region more than two years ago, the brand has exceeded all expectations, becoming one of the most popular brands in our portfolio. Recognizing the high anticipation among consumers in Saudi Arabia for Chipotle’s arrival, we look forward to meeting their expectations with our distinctive menu of fresh, delicious dishes prepared from real ingredients.”