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

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

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 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

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Is It Possible To Become a Chipotle Franchise Owner?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS