The popular chain restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill is expected to build and open as many as 270 new locations by mid-2024.
The Newport Beach, California-based company has long embraced an aggressive expansion model, seeing its locations jump in numbers from around 500 in 2006 in number to just under 3,200 as of the end of last year.
Now the company has a vigorous store building pipeline extending into the summer of next year.
Chipotle, which was launched in the summer of 1993, is also embracing a new kind of design model emphasizing energy efficiency with such features as rooftop solar panels, heat pump water heaters, and improved kitchen exhaust hoods.
According to a press release issued by Chipotle, new restaurants will utilize “100% renewable energy from wind power and solar through the purchase of certified renewable energy credits.”
The sites for what the company calls its Responsible Restaurants will also include electric vehicle charging stations. According to plans, at least 100 new energy efficient locations are expected to be completed sometime in 2024.
Two of the new energy efficient stores have opened in Virginia and Florida, with a third slated for completion in Castle Rock, Colorado sometime this summer.
Last year Chipotle recorded revenue in excess of $8.6 billion, up from $3.2 billion a decade ago.
By Garry Boulard
