U.S. franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill lands in Gangnam, Seoul as its first store in Asia

[Financial News] The first Asian location of the U.S. Mexican franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill will open in Gangnam, Seoul.
According to Sangmidang Holdings on the 1st, S&C Restaurant Holdings, the Korean operator of Chipotle Mexican Grill, will officially open 'Chipotle Gangnam' on the 2nd. It is the brand's first store in Korea and its first in Asia.
The first Chipotle Mexican Grill store in Korea was built near Gangnam station with 96 seats. Its modern, minimalist interior uses wood and metal materials to capture the brand's casual and comfortable atmosphere.
The store applies the same menu, cooking methods and ordering system used at locations in the United States, recreating the local taste and operating system as they are. All food prepared in the store is made without artificial flavors, colorings or preservatives, and ingredient prep begins every morning on site.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual brand founded in the United States in 1993. It is also a company included in the S&P 500 Index.
Chipotle Mexican Grill chose Korea as its first Asian market because of the country's strong interest in global dining trends and its established culture of customized consumption that reflects individual preferences.
The company plans to build a successful operating model in Korea first and then gradually expand its business across Asia based on that foundation.
S&C is a joint venture established by Chipotle Mexican Grill and Big Bite Company, an affiliate of Sangmidang Holdings. This is the first time Chipotle Mexican Grill has pursued its overseas business through this structure.
Big Bite Company secured the rights to operate Chipotle Mexican Grill in Korea and Singapore, drawing on its experience leading global dining brands such as Shake Shack and Jamba. It plans to open the second and third stores in Korea within the year, followed by the first Singapore location in the first half of next year.
Heo Hee-soo, CEO of Sangmidang Holdings, said, "We will faithfully carry out the high quality standards and brand philosophy that Chipotle Mexican Grill has pursued, and deliver the best possible experience that meets the expectations of Korean customers to set a new standard in the dining market."

[email protected] Kim Seo-yeon Reporter