- Chipotle to open its first restaurant in KSA, in partnership with Alshaya Group
- The Kingdom’s first Chipotle will be located at Sidra, the premier dining destination in Riyadh next to the Granada Mall
Riyadh -KSA, 13August2026—Alshaya Group, the leading international franchise retail operator in the region, is proud to announce the launch of Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its first restaurant opening in Riyadh this August.
This highly anticipated launch will bring Chipotle’s responsibly sourced, classically cooked real food to guests in Saudi Arabia for the first time, marking an exciting new milestone in the brand’s continued expansion across the Middle East.
The upcoming restaurant will introduce guests in Riyadh to Chipotle’s signature menu of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, all made with real ingredients and prepared in an open kitchen. Fans will be able to customise their meals with a choice of proteins, rice, beans, salsas, toppings, and Chipotle’s famous guacamole, delivering the same made-to-order experience that has made Chipotle a global favourite.
With Chipotle set to open at Sidra, a popular dining destination in the heart of the Kingdom’s capital located next to Granada Mall, guests will be able to find the new location by taking exit 9 on Imam Abdullah Ibn Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Road.
Nate Lawton, Chief Development Officer at Chipotle, said: “We’re pleased to introduce Chipotle to guests in Saudi Arabia for the first time. The Kingdom represents an important milestone in our international growth strategy and a compelling opportunity to expand in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic consumer markets. Launching in Riyadh, home to one of the region’s leading shopping and leisure destinations, provides an exceptional platform to introduce our brand to both local guests and international visitors. Together with Alshaya Group, we look forward to delivering the distinctive Chipotle experience and building a strong foundation for long-term growth in the region.”
Jeff Kellen, President, Hospitality division at Alshaya Group, said: “Since its launch in the region over two years ago, Chipotle has surpassed all expectations to become one of our most loved brands. Knowing how eagerly consumers in KSA have awaited its arrival, we look forward to meeting their expectations with Chipotle’s delicious, fresh, and real-ingredient menu.”
The Saudi Arabia launch builds on Chipotle’s growing presence in the region through its partnership with Alshaya Group. Since entering the Middle East in 2024, Chipotle has opened 16restaurants across the GCC withseven each in the UAE and Kuwait,andtwo inQatar, bringing its distinctive fast-casual dining experience to more guests across the region.
Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes locations across Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as well aspartner locations in the Middle East and Mexico. In North America, the Company continues to pursue significant long-term growth, supported by its commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients, culinary innovation, and digital convenience.
Further details, including the opening-day celebrations, mall location and countdown to the official opening date later this month, will be announced soon.
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About Alshaya Group
Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned business, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of over 50 well-loved, international brands to customers.
Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Türkiye and Europe, with over 3,500 stores, cafes, restaurants, and leisure destinations, major logistics and food production operations, as well as over 125 online and digital businesses including one of the region’s biggest retail loyalty programmes, Aura.
Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, and Hospitality & Entertainment, over 50,000 Alshaya colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.
From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the experiences they want with the brands they love, in the ways they choose – including Starbucks, American Eagle, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.
Learn more about Alshaya Group atwww.alshaya.com.
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, 2026, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in the United States, Canada and Europe.
With nearly 140,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.Chipotle.com.