Chipotle Shuts Down Bankruptcy Rumors, Plans Massive Expansion – Denver, USA
The internet was buzzing with claims that Chipotle was filing for bankruptcy and shutting down locations—but the beloved burrito empire just shut those rumors down with a fiery response. Not only is Chipotle not going anywhere, but it’s gearing up for an even bigger year in 2025.
In a statement to 9NEWS, a Chipotle spokesperson made it clear: “The false information stemmed from an inaccurate online article confusing Chipotle with a venture it tested in 2023. The story has since been corrected.” Translation? Don’t believe everything you read online.
Instead of shutting down, Chipotle is on a mission to grow—big time. The company announced plans to open 315 to 345 new restaurants this year, with over 80% featuring the fan-favorite Chipotlane drive-thru. And if that wasn’t enough to silence the skeptics, Chipotle’s financials tell an even juicier story.
According to the brand’s Q4FY2024 earnings report, Chipotle is debt-free and sitting on over $2 billion in cash reserves. Revenue for 2024 soared to $11.3 billion, a 14.6% increase from the previous year. If that’s what bankruptcy looks like, sign every business up.
CEO Scott Boatwright didn’t just address the rumors—he doubled down on Chipotle’s ambitions. “We had another outstanding year,” he said. “Our focus remains on scaling up, improving guest experience, and hitting our long-term goal of 7,000 restaurants across North America.” The company also aims to push average unit volumes (AUVs) past $4 million, expand international reach, and solidify its status as a global food powerhouse.
And in case you missed it, Chipotle’s latest menu addition, Chipotle Honey Chicken, is making waves. After a test run in Nashville and Sacramento last year, the new flavor became the chain’s best-selling limited-time offer ever, rolling out to locations across North America and Europe.
Bottom line? Chipotle isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. So, to those spreading the “bankruptcy” talk: It’s time to take a seat and unwrap a burrito.
