Al-Saiigh launches Chipotle in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its first branch in Riyadh
The Alshaya Group has launched Chipotle Mexican Grill (listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol: CMG) in Saudi Arabia, opening its first restaurant in Riyadh this August.
The anticipated 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, specialty bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads. Guests will be able to customize their meals according to their preferences, enjoying the same experience that has established the brand as one of the leading global names in the restaurant industry.
Net 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 within our global growth strategy and a promising opportunity to expand in one of the most dynamic consumer markets in the Middle East. The opening of the restaurant in Riyadh, which hosts some of the region’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations, provides an ideal platform to introduce our brand to local customers and visitors from around the world. Together with the Alshaya Group, we look forward 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 to become 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 its distinctive menu of fresh, delicious dishes prepared from real ingredients.”
The launch of Chipotle in the Kingdom follows the brand’s continuous growth in the region through its partnership with the Alshaya Group. Since entering the Middle East in 2024, Chipotle has opened 16 restaurants across the Gulf states: seven in the United Arab Emirates, seven in Kuwait, and two in Qatar, continuing to deliver its premium fast-casual dining experience to a growing number of customers in the region.
Chipotle’s global portfolio includes company-owned and operated restaurants in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as well as other locations operated by brand partners in the Middle East and Mexico. In North America, the company continues to execute long-term growth plans driven by its commitment to using responsibly sourced ingredients, innovating in food offerings, and enhancing digital services and customer convenience.
Further details regarding the opening celebrations and the restaurant’s location within the shopping mall, as well as the countdown to the official opening later this month, will be announced shortly.
