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Chipotle Reaches Major Milestone in Manhattan, Kansas

In a significant achievement for Chipotle Mexican Grill, the company has celebrated the opening of its 4,000th restaurant in the vibrant town of Manhattan, Kansas, known fondly as the "Little Apple." This milestone underscores the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence and serving communities across North America.

A Monumental Occasion

On December 12, 2025, Chipotle marked this remarkable occasion by having its executive leadership team ring The Opening Bell® at The New York Stock Exchange, a nod to the company’s roots in the big city, aptly named the "Big Apple." This event highlights not only the expansion of Chipotle but also its dedication to delivering quality Mexican cuisine made with responsibly sourced ingredients to a broader audience.

Innovative Design and Features

The new location in Manhattan, Kansas, is not just another restaurant; it incorporates innovative features including the signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru service enabling seamless digital order pickups without requiring guests to exit their vehicles. Additionally, the restaurant is equipped with a High-Efficiency Equipment Package designed to enhance kitchen efficiency. This package includes:

• - A three-pan rice cooker that allows for higher cooking volumes;
• - A dual-sided plancha that significantly reduces cooking times for a variety of meats;
• - A high-capacity fryer, improving the processing speed for freshly made chips;
• - An automated produce slicer, streamlining prep tasks for the kitchen staff.

These advancements are aimed at simplifying cooking processes while maintaining Chipotle's high culinary standards, ensuring that guests receive both quality and efficiency.

Remarkable Growth Under New Leadership

Under the leadership of CEO Scott Boatwright since 2017, Chipotle has seen impressive growth, expanding its locations by over 70% from 2,300 to 4,000 restaurants in just eight years. This transformative growth journey is a testament to Chipotle's strategic initiatives, which include opening between 315 to 345 new restaurants in 2025, with over 80% of those sporting a Chipotlane.

Boatwright emphasized, "Achieving 4,000 restaurants underscores our strategic initiatives and commitment to cultivate a better world. Most importantly, our continued growth allows us to introduce real food made with responsibly sourced ingredients to more communities and create new career opportunities for team members."

Expanding Horizons: International Growth

Chipotle’s ambitions stretch beyond North America. The company currently operates over 100 restaurants internationally, including locations within Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. A landmark moment occurred recently with the opening of its first Chipotlane outside of North America in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Alshaya Group. Plans are underway to launch restaurants in Mexico in partnership with Alsea, and Chipotle is set to introduce its offerings to customers in South Korea and Singapore by 2026 through collaboration with SPC Group.

Commitment to Quality

At the heart of Chipotle's business model is a commitment to serving real food made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. With more than 3,900 restaurants and a workforce of about 130,000 employees, Chipotle aims to lead the food industry through innovation and responsible practices. The company remains steadfast in its vision for providing accessible, quality food while adhering to sustainable business procedures.

As Chipotle continues to grow and evolve, its strategic focus remains steadfast: to cultivate a better world while making delicious and healthy Mexican cuisine more accessible to all consumers. This milestone in Manhattan, Kansas, signifies not only a moment of celebration but also the ongoing journey of Chipotle's mission to revolutionize the fast-casual dining experience.

For additional information or to place an order, visit CHIPOTLE.COM.