A rumor that began circulating on social media has caused surprise and frustration among Chipotle customers, as it claims the restaurant chain will soon close all of its locations. But is this true? Here’s what’s going on with the company.
Will Chipotle close?
For the past few days, users on the social network X have been posting messages expressing their sadness over the alleged closure of Chipotle restaurants due to the company’s bankruptcy. Before you start worrying about never having your favorite food again, here’s how it all started.
The rumors about the supposed closure of Chipotle began after a publication from a media outlet in Madrid, Spain, mentioned that Farmesa Fresh, a company owned by Chipotle, would be shutting down. The image showed the Chipotle logo, which quickly fueled the rumor that the entire company was closing.
Fortunately for the fans of the popular restaurant chain, it’s just a rumor. The company has already denied this claim, stating through a statement that it has not declared bankruptcy, and certainly has no plans to close its locations.
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“The false information stemmed from an inaccurate online article that confused Chipotle with a company that it experimented with in 2023. The story has since been corrected,” the statement reads.
According to a spokesperson, the company even plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants throughout 2025, approximately 80 percent of which will feature the drive-thru option known as Chipotlane.
History of Chipotle
Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells, who took advantage of the popularity of burritos and other Mexican dishes by opening his first restaurant in the 1990s. Since then, the restaurant chain has positioned itself as a major player in the fast-food industry.
Today, Chipotle has more than 3,700 restaurants located not only in the United States but also in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. It is the only company of its size in the restaurant industry that owns and operates all of its locations in North America and Europe.
With more than 130,000 employees, Chipotle is included in the Fortune 500 list and is ranked in Fortune’s 2025 list of the Most Admired Companies, as well as in Time magazine’s list of the Most Influential Companies.
Chipotle Menu
At its various locations, the chain offers a variety of options on its menu. Some of these include:
- Burrito
- Burrito Bowl
- Lifestyle Bowl
- Quesadilla
- Salad
- Tacos
- Kids’ Meal
- Chips and Sides
How many Chipotle restaurants are there in the United States?
Currently, the restaurant chain has 3,494 locations throughout the United States. The state of California has the most locations, with a total of 486 establishments, representing about 14% of all the brand’s restaurants in the country.
What is Chipotle Rewards?
It is the company’s rewards program, which allows you to accumulate points and redeem them for rewards, such as free menu items or exclusive brand products. When you sign up, you will also receive a welcome gift, special birthday rewards, and exclusive offers for members.
How can I earn points?
Through the program, you will earn 10 points for every $1 spent at any of the chain’s restaurants, as well as for orders placed through the official website or app. You can also earn points more quickly by completing challenges.
Which restaurants in the United States have declared bankruptcy?
Since 2024, many businesses, including restaurants, have faced economic challenges, and several have decided to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, while others are considering declaring bankruptcy.
Just a few days ago, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina announced the closure of more than 70 locations after filing for Chapter 11 following financial difficulties.
Shortly before that, the restaurant chain Hooters indicated that it might file for bankruptcy soon as part of a plan to restructure its finances and cover its debts. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the company can stabilize its operations and maintain its presence in the restaurant industry.
