Full breakdown of startup costs, royalty fees, and what it really costs to open a Chipotle.
Chipotle Mexican Grill does not franchise. All locations are company-owned and operated.
Chipotle has never offered franchise opportunities. As a publicly traded company (CMG), Chipotle operates all ~3,500+ locations directly. The company's 'Food With Integrity' philosophy and tight operational standards are central to its brand identity, which leadership believes requires direct ownership.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is the pioneer of the fast-casual restaurant category, with over 3,500 company-owned locations in the US, Canada, UK, France, and Germany. Founded by Steve Ells in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, Chipotle's 'Food With Integrity' mission and assembly-line burrito format redefined what fast food could be.
Despite being one of the most successful restaurant companies in history — with annual revenues exceeding $9 billion and a market cap over $50 billion — Chipotle has never offered franchise opportunities. The brand opened its first 'Chipotlane' drive-thru for digital orders and continues expanding at 250+ locations per year.