WS Investor
29 Sep 2026, 20:26
Chipotle Reaches 1,500 Chipotlanes as Drive-Thru Format Remains Central to Expansion
Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its 1,500th Chipotlane, marking another milestone in the company’s North American growth strategy and the continued expansion of its digital-order pickup format.
The milestone location opened in Bradenton, Florida. Chipotle has added 500 Chipotlanes in less than two years and continues to make the format a core part of new restaurant development.
Chipotlanes allow customers to pick up digital orders without leaving their vehicles. The company said the format has consistently generated higher sales volumes and returns than traditional restaurants, making it the preferred design for new locations.
Chipotle opened 334 company-owned restaurants last year, including 257 with a Chipotlane. For 2026, the company expects to open 350 to 370 new restaurants as it works toward its long-term goal of reaching 7,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Florida remains an important growth market. Chipotle expects to expand its restaurant footprint in the state by approximately 17% this year and create roughly 1,500 restaurant jobs.
The 1,500th Chipotlane location also incorporates Chipotle’s newer Habanero restaurant design and High-Efficiency Equipment Package, reflecting the company’s broader push to improve restaurant efficiency while expanding its physical footprint.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its 1,500th Chipotlane, marking another milestone in the company’s North American growth strategy and the continued expansion of its digital-order pickup format.
The milestone location opened in Bradenton, Florida. Chipotle has added 500 Chipotlanes in less than two years and continues to make the format a core part of new restaurant development.
Chipotlanes allow customers to pick up digital orders without leaving their vehicles. The company said the format has consistently generated higher sales volumes and returns than traditional restaurants, making it the preferred design for new locations.
Chipotle opened 334 company-owned restaurants last year, including 257 with a Chipotlane. For 2026, the company expects to open 350 to 370 new restaurants as it works toward its long-term goal of reaching 7,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Florida remains an important growth market. Chipotle expects to expand its restaurant footprint in the state by approximately 17% this year and create roughly 1,500 restaurant jobs.
The 1,500th Chipotlane location also incorporates Chipotle’s newer Habanero restaurant design and High-Efficiency Equipment Package, reflecting the company’s broader push to improve restaurant efficiency while expanding its physical footprint.
