Is Chipotle closing down, at least that’s what media reports suggested, sending shockwaves amongst people. Chipotle had a fantastic 2024 opening 300 new restaurants, so of course the loved fast-food eatery closure news was definitely surprising. The rumor appears to have started based off an unsourced article from a Spanish aggregation website.
The media team at Chipotle confirmed that the rumor was false. In fact, Chipotle instead of closing stores was anticipating opening between 315 to 345 new restaurants this year, with “at least 80%” including a “Chipotlane,” the chain’s drive-thru window option.
Chipotle closing rumors
Chipotle stores closing rumors and alleged bankruptcy appear to stem from news report in Madrid, which told readers to “say goodbye” to the popular eatery. This rumor of Chipotle closing triggered frustration across social media. The Chipotle bankruptcy and store closing rumor spread rapidly after social media users will large followers started spreading and responding to rumors on Friday.
Is Chipotle shutting down asks users on social medial
On March 20 and 21, numerous users took to X to express frustration with the supposed closures.
One X user expressed frustration with the closure by writing: “chipotle is closing. wtf”. This X post had over 3,200 views at the time of publishing.
“Chipotle is closing all restaurants & is declaring bankruptcy. The number of businesses declaring bankruptcy is very eerie,” an X user posted Thursday morning.
Even days after the rumors started, X users were still posting reactions, wondering how Chipotle could be filing for bankruptcy.
“how chipotle goin bankrupt when i get a bowl with extra chicken and guac everyday?????” another X user wrote.
How did the rumor of Chipotle closure started?
The rumor about the closure of the fast-casual eatery Chipotle started on social media after Spanish media outlet Unión Rayo published a report about the closure of Farmesa Fresh Eatery, a spinoff venture Chipotle invested and tested for a few months in 2023. This story’s promotional image previously showed the Chipotle logo as reported.
Contrary to the rumors of Chipotle closing
In reality, there is no evidence to suggest that Chipotle, the Mexican eatery is closing. As of March 2025, Chipotle has over 3,700 restaurants. Also as per the results of their Q4 and evaluation of 2024 financial performance, the business’ revenue increased 14.6% year-to-year.
Chipotle actually has plans to expand, contrary to the disinformation spread by the rumor mill.
“We anticipate opening between 315 to 345 new restaurants this year with at least 80% including a (digital drive-thru) Chipotlane,” Wolford said.
As per Scott Boatwright, Chipotle’s CEO, “Chipotle had another outstanding year.” He added, “I want to make sure that as we continue to scale Chipotle, everything we do is in service of our guests or those who serve our guests.”
Chipotle’s response to rumors of it’s closing
A spokesperson for the restaurant chain told several media outlets that the company has no plans to close locations, despite reports that circulated online.
As per the representative of Chipotle, “Chipotle’s Q4FY2024 earnings call indicated zero debt and over $2 billion in cash reserves.” They also showed rise in total revenue from 2023 to 2024.
Actually throughout 2024, Chipotle chain closed five locations and opened 304 company-owned stores. Approximately eight locations were relocated that year, and three licensed restaurants were opened.
As per Chipotle’s spokesperson Erin Wolford “false information stemmed from an inaccurate online article confusing Chipotle with a venture it tested in 2023.”
Chipotle has reached out to the site to correct the story and has also received an apology for the “false article” written by them.
