Chipotle Mexican Grill reported year-over-year visits up 4.5% in Q1 2025 compared to a -4.2% downturn for fast-casual chains, according to new data from foot traffic research company Placer.ai.

The QSR has been making waves with new menu options. “Chipotle's Honey Chicken special launch on March 10, 2025, also led to a 6.3% jump in visits above the year-to-date weekly visit average, and its National Burrito Day special drove a 13% increase in Thursday visits,” the firm said.

Placer.ai noted that some of the company’s strength may be attributed to its strategic growth plan. Moving forward, Chipotle “has set its sights on opening roughly 350 new locations throughout 2025, with a focus on drive-through—another major growth driver for the chain.”

Chipotle also announced this week that it plans to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time. In partnership with Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. (Alsea), a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, Chipotle will open a location in Mexico by early 2026 and begin exploring additional expansion markets in the region.

Alsea is based in Mexico City, and operates Domino’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Chili’s and other brands in South America and Europe, reported the Associated Press.

“We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” said Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company.”

AP noted that “at least one U.S.-based Mexican chain has struggled to make it in Mexico. Taco Bell opened a few outlets in Mexico City in 1992 but they closed within two years. The brand opened another store in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2007 which also didn’t last.”