Get ready for a Chipotle revolution! The popular burrito bowl chain is about to take over your neighborhood, with plans to open almost one new restaurant every single day in 2026. That's right, you heard it here first! But here's where it gets controversial... while Chipotle fans are excited about the expansion, there's a catch. The company also announced price hikes, which might leave some loyal customers feeling a little sour.
Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright revealed the ambitious plan during a recent earnings call, stating that the company successfully opened 334 restaurants in 2025 and is now ready to tackle even more growth. "This year, we'll build 350. Think of it as a new Chipotle almost every day!" he exclaimed.
The company's long-term goal is to reach an impressive 7,000 locations across North America. In fact, just last year, they announced plans to open up to 345 new spots by 2026, with most featuring the beloved Chipotlane drive-thrus.
Florida, in particular, has already seen four new Chipotle locations open by the end of 2025, with two more planned for the coming months.
But here's the part most people miss: while Chipotle is expanding, they're also raising prices. During the same earnings call, the company announced a 1% to 2% price increase, citing pressure on their margins in 2026. They explained that they're taking less price compared to the inflation they're experiencing.
This isn't the first time Chipotle has raised prices. In December 2024, prices went up by 2% due to higher operational costs. However, in March 2025, Boatwright promised customers that prices would remain stable, despite rising costs for essential ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, and limes, due to foreign import taxes.
So, who exactly is this price increase targeting? Boatwright believes that Chipotle's core customers, including digital natives with higher incomes and those seeking high-protein options, won't mind the extra cost. He highlighted the success of their first-ever high-protein menu, which launched in December 2025, featuring items with up to 81 grams of protein per serving.
The CEO even suggested that the core consumer is not necessarily looking for lower-priced menu items, as the extra protein incidence during the menu's launch was up by a whopping 35%.
So, what do you think? Are you excited about the expansion of your favorite burrito bowl chain, or do the price hikes leave a bad taste in your mouth? We want to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let's discuss whether Chipotle's growth strategy is a hit or a miss.
