Chipotle opens restaurant in Kuwait, its first in Middle East

Chipotle has opened a branch in Kuwait, bringing its burritos to the Middle East for the first time amid boycotts aimed at Western restaurants in the region in relation to the war in Gaza.

Chipotle, an American fast-food chain that specializes in Mexican food, announced on Monday that it opened its restaurant in Kuwait City in partnership with the Kuwait-based operator AlShaya Group. The restaurant has been working on adjusted hours since the start of April due to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and training of staff, and will hold its grand opening on Tuesday. The restaurant is located in The Avenues shopping mall, Chipotle said in a statement.

Chipotle announced its expansion plans for Kuwait last July. A spokesperson told Al-Monitor at the time that the chain’s typical menu would be adjusted to remove pork due to the Islamic prohibition on the meat.

Images of the Chipotle in Kuwait City emerged on social media earlier this month.