Popular Mexican food chain Chipotle coming to UAE, Kuwait

Adam Lucente

Jul 19, 2023

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: A Chipotle store signage is seen on August 10, 2022 in New York City. NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that they will be paying $20 million dollars to current and former workers in their NYC restaurants for violating city labor laws. The settlement will cover about 13,000 employees who worked at the chain's NYC stores between 2017 and this year. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) — A Chipotle store signage is seen on August 10, 2022 in New York City. NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that they will be paying $20 million dollars to current and former workers in their NYC restaurants for violating city labor laws. — Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

US fast-food chain Chipotle said on Tuesday it will open locations in the Gulf in a move that will expand the heavy presence of American fast food in the region — but the company will need to adjust its menu due to restrictions on pork in the region.

Chipotle signed a partnership with Kuwaiti franchise operator Alshaya Group to open its restaurants in Dubai and Kuwait early next year. Chipotle will then seek to expand to other parts of the region, according to a press release.

A spokesperson for Chipotle told Al-Monitor on Wednesday that the company will open two restaurants in Dubai, and two in Kuwait, but has not yet released the exact location.

Background: Chipotle is a US-based fast-food chain that specializes in Mexican-style cuisine, chiefly burritos. Chipotle’s restaurants are primarily in the United States, but the company also has locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.