The restaurant brand continues to expand its footprint as it increasingly focuses on digital orders and drive-thru offerings.
The quick service restaurant chain has opened its 3,000 location in Phoenix, with the store bringing together the brand’s digital ordering system and the drive thru pick-up lane, called Chipotlane. The next 12 months will see Chipotle, which owns and operates all of its restaurants, open between 235 and 250 new restaurants.
In 2021, the restaurant opened 215 locations in the US, Canada and Europe, with approximately 80 per cent of the new restaurant featuring a Chipotlane. The company stated: “This format has proven to enhance guest access and convenience, as well as increase new restaurant sales, margins and returns.”
The restaurant chain has a long-term goal of more than doubling its restaurant count in North America to 7,000 locations. This goal is set to be achieved with a three-pronged approach – new restaurant openings, strategic relocations and existing building conversions. Chipotle is also targeting growth through small-town opportunities that deliver results at or better than traditional locations.
