Chipotle opens first Dubai outlet with Alshaya Group

UAE – International fast-casual restaurant chain Chipotle has opened its first restaurant in Dubai in partnership with leading franchise retail operator Alshaya Group.

The new outlet is located at The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The chain also revealed plans to open a second location in the country at the Dubai Hills Mall before the end of the year.

The new outlet measuring 6,000 square feet, is open from 10 am to 12 am every weekday and until 1 am during the weekend.

The new location is a continuation of Chipotle’s expansion in the Middle East that began in April with the launch of its first outlet at The Avenues in Kuwait. The outlet marked the first time the chain entered a new country in over a decade.

In September, Alshaya opened the chain’s second outlet in Kuwait at The Walk Mall in Ardiya.

Nate Lawton, Chipotle’s Chief Business Development Officer, said, “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to Chipotle’s responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real ingredients in Kuwait and hope to see similar enthusiasm at our JBR restaurant.”

“Alshaya has been a tremendous partner and continues to ensure our culinary and our purpose to cultivate a better world are clear points of differentiation for consumers as we enter these new regions.”

The franchise operator welcomed the new location and the partnership, revealing the Kuwait locations have performed beyond the two companies’ expectations.

John Hadden, Alshaya Group’s CEO describes the first Kuwait location as ‘one of the top performing brands’ in Alshaya Group’s portfolio. He expressed confidence that the JBR location will continue to reflect the chain’s potential in the Middle East.

Chipotle plans to open between 285 and 315 new restaurants this year, aiming for a long-term goal of 7,000 locations across North America.

The company’s current portfolio of operated and owned restaurants includes 47 locations in Canada; 20 in the United Kingdom; six locations in France; and two in Germany

The fast-casual chain owns and operates over 3,500 restaurants and is targeting 8 to 10% growth per year in the next five years.

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