Chipotle will open its 1,000th Chipotlane this week, marking a milestone for the model that was first introduced in 2018 to support digital orders. The Chipotlane format now represents nearly 30% of Chipotle’s more than 3,600-unit domestic system, with that ratio expected to grow – the company forecasts 315 to 345 new restaurants in 2025, with at least 80% including a Chipotlane. That is compared to the anticipated 285 to 315 new units opening this year, which marks a record number for the company.
To get a sense of Chipotle’s acceleration of the Chipotlane model, consider that the 500th such location opened just two years ago, while the model itself was introduced nearly six years ago.
There’s a reason the chain is bullish on the model. Digital sales have remained above 30% since hitting a pandemic peak, while new restaurants with the pick-up lane have generated higher volumes and bigger returns than a traditional Chipotle restaurant format, according to the company. It also generates faster throughput, completing orders in less than 30 seconds. Because of this efficiency, Chipotle said it is building a real estate pipeline that will accelerate new unit growth in the 8% to 10% range each year, again, with a majority featuring a Chipotlane.
“Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long-term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America,” chief brand officer Chris Brandt said in a statement. “This restaurant format is the fastest way for fans to get Chipotle and has proven to increase sales, margins, and returns.”
Chipotle has also made a few investments to support its digital business as it ramps up the Chipotlane model. For instance, its Augmented Makeline – a cobotic makeline built in collaboration with California-based tech company Hyphen – is currently in test at a Corona del Mar, Calif., restaurant building bowls and salads. According to the company, approximately 65% of all digital orders are bowls and salads, so the makeline also has the potential to free up more time for employees so they can focus on assistance elsewhere and on dine-in guests.
Chipotle’s 1,000th Chipotlane restaurant is located in the greater Kansas City area at 14833 West 151st Street in Olathe, Kan. It will be open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
