SPC Group will introduce the leading U.S. Mexican food brand Chipotle to Korea, the first launch in Asia.
Big Bite Company, an SPC Group affiliate, has established a joint venture (S&C Restaurant Holdings) with Chipotle Mexican Grill (hereafter Chipotle) and secured exclusive operating rights in Korea and Singapore. This is the first time Chipotle has entered an overseas market through the establishment of a joint venture.
Chipotle selected SPC Group, which has introduced and grown many global brands, as the optimal partner for entry into the Asian market. Big Bite Company plans to open the first stores in Seoul and Singapore next year.
Founded in the United States in 1993, Chipotle is a fast-casual brand that presents traditional Mexican dishes with a modern touch, including burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillas. Its hallmark is a customization service that allows various toppings to be added to suit consumer preferences. It currently operates more than 3,800 locations across seven countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Heo Hee-soo, SPC Group executive vice president, said, "We are pleased to introduce the world-class Mexican food brand Chipotle to customers in Korea and Singapore, where culinary standards are high. We will recreate Chipotle's fresh and healthy flavors true to the local originals to provide customers with a special culinary experience and lead dining trends at home and globally."