Chipotle, the Mexican chain, has said it has no international growth planned.
In a call following its full-year update, founder Steve Ells said that while the company expects 130-150 additions to its 2,400 store count in 2018, these will all be in its core US market
The brand currently operates six sites in London and also operates in France, Germany and Canada.
During the year the group saw like-for-like (lfl) restaurant sales across its estate grow 6.4% with revenue up 14.7% to $4.5bn. The company opened 183 new restaurants and closed or relocated 25, including 15 ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants.
In the fourth quarter, lfl sales rose 0.9%.
Ells said: “During 2017, we have made considerable changes around leadership, operations, and long-term planning and it is clear that, while there is still work to be done, we are starting to see some success.
“2018 marks the 25th anniversary of Chipotle, and I am encouraged by the dedication all of our guests and employees have to this brand. Our focus this year will be to continue perfecting the dining experience, enhancing the guest experience through innovations in digital and catering, and reinvesting in our restaurants. We are making good progress on our search for a new CEO who can improve execution, drive sales and enable Chipotle to realize our enormous potential.”
