1851

With over 3,300 locations, you may be surprised to hear that Chipotle is not a franchise — at least not in most of the world. The brand has only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/chipotle-takes-first-ever-international-franchise-partner?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">signed one franchise agreement</a>, which is in the Middle East.&nbsp;In July of 2023, the brand announced its first-ever development agreement to bring restaurants to the Middle East in partnership with franchise company Alshaya Group. Alshaya Group plans to open Chipotle locations in Dubai and Kuwait in 2024.&nbsp;This was a big move for Chipotle, which currently owns and operates all of its restaurants. So, why has the brand been so reluctant to franchise?<h3>Why Chipotle Doesn’t Franchise</h3>In 2014,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-chipotle-doesnt-franchise-2014-10?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Business Insider</a> spoke to Chipotle spokesperson Chris Arnold, who said that the reason the brand does not franchise is “because [it] doesn’t need to.”&nbsp;"Companies tend to franchise because they need money to grow and/or operators to run their business,” said Arnold. “We have plenty of money for growth (more than $1 billion in cash on our books) and don’t have trouble attracting great people to run our restaurants."&nbsp;Like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-you-cant-own-a-starbucks-franchise-and-what-to-do-instead-2719341#stories">Starbucks</a>, Chipotle also does not want to relinquish control over to restaurant operators.&nbsp;"When you franchise, you give up control over how restaurants are run and that can compromise the experience," continued Arnold. "What’s more, our business model is so strong, we would rather not sell off our revenues to franchisees in exchange for only a small percentage of that."The company also noted that it wants to maintain tight control over its food sourcing, without facing any pressure from franchisees.&nbsp;<h3>Could Franchising Be on the Horizon?</h3>When Chipotle announced its deal with Alshaya Group, led by chief business development officer Nate Lawton, the company said it is open to exploring outside partnerships.&nbsp;However, the brand plans to continue owning and operating its own restaurants in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, according to a company spokesperson.&nbsp;“We are fortunate to have very strong returns and a balance sheet with zero debt, which gives us the ability to fund our own growth,” the company said in a statement. “In some markets, it is apparent that we’re best suited to leverage a partner with local expertise and the Middle East is one of them.”<h3>Chipotle Alternatives</h3>Although Chipotle isn’t currently offering franchises, there are franchise brands that offer a similar concept. Here are three:&nbsp;<a href="https://development.focusbrands.com/moes/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Moe’s</a><ul><li>Investment Range: $659,075–$1,839,390</li><li>Unit Count: 600+</li></ul><a href="https://qdobafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QDOBA</a><ul><li>Investment Range: $489,200–$1,178,000</li><li>Unit Count: 600+</li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/pollocampero">Pollo Campero*</a><ul><li>Investment Range: $1,287,250–$2,491,500</li><li>Unit Count: 360</li></ul> As Chipotle pushes to reach 7,000 locations across North America, maybe there’s hope the brand will begin franchising at some point in the distant future.&nbsp;

Is It Possible To Become a Chipotle Franchise Owner?

1851 Franchise

The company has historically taken a strong stance against franchising. However, it recently signed its first agreement with franchisees in the Middle East. 


is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

image of keke's breakfast cafe franchise Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard

Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard To Share Insights on Franchise Growth and Work-Life Balance With Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Upcoming Webinar

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-ahrendt-ehrhard-webinar

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Karen Fraielli and Valerie Chanoux with their 25-year Award.

Minuteman Press Franchisees Celebrate 25+ Years in Warwick, RI

minuteman-press-franchisees-celebrate-25-years-in-warwick-ri

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom Ranks No. 1 in Customer Experience and Customer Loyalty Among Pizza Chains in MarketForce Casual Dining Report

mellow-mushroom-market-force-report-2025

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing - Jeff Hunter - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Air Force Veteran Jeff Hunter Trades Corporate Life for a Successful Franchise Future with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise

Comfort Keepers

From Coast to Heartland: Why One Comfort Keepers® Franchisee Keeps Expanding

from-coast-to-heartland-why-one-comfort-keepers-franchisee-keeps-expanding

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

Is It Possible To Become a Chipotle Franchise Owner?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS