Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first Asian restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam neighborhood earlier this month, entering a region the company has identified as a significant growth opportunity. The restaurant at 423 Gangnam-daero is operated through S&C Restaurants Holdings, a joint venture with South Korean food company Sangmidang Holdings, formerly known as SPC Group. Sangmidang affiliate Big Bite Company owns 51% of the venture, while Chipotle holds 49%, marking the chain’s first expansion through a joint venture. The Seoul opening drew queues of up to three hours. Chipotle plans two more South Korea restaurants by the end of 2026, while the venture is targeting a Singapore opening in the first half of 2027 without a confirmed site or date. The launch is part of a broader international expansion that includes Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Mexico and more than 4,200 restaurants globally.