March 26, 2025
Introduction
Recent social media rumors have falsely claimed that Chipotle Mexican Grill is closing its doors. However, the company has officially denied these claims, confirming that it is not shutting down but instead expanding. The confusion appears to have stemmed from misinformation circulating online.
Chipotle Denies Closure Rumors
In response to the growing speculation, Chipotle released an official statement dismissing the rumors as baseless. The company clarified that it remains financially stable and is not facing any widespread closures.
“We continue to grow and open new locations across the U.S. and internationally,” said Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “There is no truth to the claims that Chipotle is shutting down.”
The false reports appear to have originated from misleading online articles and social media posts. Some users may have confused Chipotle’s overall business with the closure of specific ventures, such as the discontinuation of its Pizzeria Locale brand in 2023.
Expansion Plans and New Store Openings
Far from closing, Chipotle has been on an aggressive expansion plan. In 2024, the company opened 271 new locations, and it has announced plans to open between 285 and 315 new restaurants in 2025. More than 80% of these locations will feature a Chipotlane, a drive-thru designed for mobile and online pickup orders.
CEO Brian Niccol emphasized Chipotle’s commitment to growth, stating, “Our expansion strategy remains strong, and we are seeing great success with our Chipotlane format.”
Chipotle’s financial performance has also reflected its success. The company’s revenue for 2024 exceeded $9 billion, marking a steady increase over the past few years.
Why the Confusion?
Rumors of Chipotle’s closure may have stemmed from the company’s occasional decision to shut down underperforming locations. For example, in 2023, Chipotle permanently closed all five of its Pizzeria Locale locations, a fast-casual pizza brand it had invested in. Additionally, Chipotle has closed individual locations that failed to meet performance expectations, but these are standard business decisions rather than signs of company-wide collapse.
Additionally, a satirical or misleading news article may have contributed to the rumors. Some online sources falsely linked Chipotle’s closures to economic difficulties, despite the company’s ongoing success.
Customer Reactions
Many Chipotle customers were alarmed by the false reports, with some taking to social media to express their concerns. However, once the company refuted the claims, customers were relieved to learn that their favorite burrito chain was not disappearing.
“I saw a post saying Chipotle was going bankrupt, and I panicked,” said Carlos Martinez, a frequent Chipotle customer in Los Angeles. “But then I checked their official page and saw it was just a rumor. Glad to know they’re still growing.”
Conclusion
Despite the rumors, Chipotle Mexican Grill remains financially strong and continues expanding across the United States. With hundreds of new locations planned for 2025, customers can rest assured that the popular fast-casual chain is not going anywhere. The company urges consumers to verify information from reliable sources before believing online rumors.
