• In partnership with the Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise retail operator, Chipotle's first location in the Middle East has opened in Kuwait
• This marks the first time Chipotle has entered a new country in over 10 years
• The new restaurant debuts the company's latest design format and offers a variety of in-restaurant ordering experiences that help introduce Chipotle's menu offerings to new guests in the region
• Alshaya Group plans to further accelerate Chipotle's international growth by opening the company's first location in Dubai later this year, with a total of four new restaurants anticipated in 2024

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) today announced the opening of its first location in Kuwait City in partnership with leading international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group.  The restaurant has been operating with adjusted hours since the beginning of the month to account for holidays and training and will hold its official grand opening on April 23. Chipotle's location in Kuwait marks the first time the company has entered a new country in over 10 years.

The new restaurant is located at The Avenues, Kuwait's largest shopping mall and a hub for international and local brands with over 1,100 stores and approximately one million visitors per week*.

For photos and B-roll video of Chipotle's Kuwait City restaurant, see here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/untyp75stb06i84mo5j5c/AGr1V_1A2rBr0mgp6cTe3k8?rlkey=pct8qn1yz7m4c7q2366mpfxzi&st=3goiitg4&dl=0.

"In partnership with Alshaya Group, we worked tirelessly to ensure that we delivered an exceptional first impression in Kuwait with our freshly prepared menu of real ingredients and we are encouraged by the early results," said Chief Business Development Officer Nate Lawton. "Together, we'll continue to gather insights on regional preferences and adapt accordingly as we grow our presence in the region and expand upon our mission to Cultivate a Better World."

John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer, Alshaya Group, said: "Consumers have long awaited Chipotle's arrival here in the Middle East and the feedback we've received so far has confirmed that we're delivering the same delicious culinary experience that guests have had in their U.S. locations. We're proud to have introduced this popular American restaurant to Kuwait and we're looking forward to Dubai later this year, as the first locations in our exclusive partnership with Chipotle."