Chipotle Expands in London
London — Chipotle Mexican Grill is more than a popular dining chain in the U.S. It’s a $20 billion burrito empire.
In Britain, it’s just another Mexican joint that competes on the high street with home-grown competitors such as Chilango, Tortilla, and Benito’s Hat.
But this Denver-based company means business in Europe, and last week it opened its seventh restaurant in London.
“London is probably the most dynamic market in Europe: It’s very international,” says Jerome Tafani, executive director of European business development for Chipotle. “It’s a good laboratory, but at the same time it’s very competitive, because everybody is here.”
Chipotle’s latest outpost is in the City financial district at 49 London Wall. The company was attracted to the area as a good fit, Tafani says.
“You’ve got many international workers who visit Chipotle in the U.S., and when they come back, they look for us,” he says.
