The Ultimate Taco Sensation Loved by U.S. Millennials Arrives in Korea... SPC Secures Exclusive Rights for Korea and Singapore

Vice President Heo Heesu: "Leading Domestic and Global Dining Trends"
Burritos and Burrito Bowls as Main Menu Items
Big Bite Company and Chipotle Establish Joint Venture
First Store to Open Next Year in Seoul and Singapore

SPC Group is bringing Chipotle Mexican Grill, the leading Mexican food brand from the United States, to South Korea for the first time in Asia.

On September 11, Big Bite Company, an SPC Group affiliate, announced that it has established a joint venture, S&C Restaurants Holdings, with Chipotle and secured exclusive operating rights for South Korea and Singapore. This marks the first time that Chipotle is entering an overseas market through a joint venture.

Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill (right), and Heo Heesu, Vice President of SPC Group, are signing a joint venture agreement for the operation of Chipotle businesses in South Korea and Singapore. Photo by SPC Group

Founded in the United States in 1993, Chipotle is a fast casual brand that offers traditional Mexican dishes such as burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and quesadillas with a modern twist. The brand is committed to serving "real food," eliminating artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and preparing fresh ingredients in-store daily. Chipotle is also known for its customizable service, allowing customers to add a variety of toppings based on their preferences.

Chipotle experienced rapid growth thanks to overwhelming support from young Americans. The brand was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006 and was included in the S&P 500 Index in 2011, establishing itself as one of America’s leading restaurant brands. Currently, Chipotle operates over 3,800 locations across seven countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, said, "As dining trends that prioritize diversity and convenience are rapidly spreading, expanding into the Asian market presents a tremendous growth opportunity for Chipotle. Based on our brand recognition, I expect that our partnership with SPC Group, which has professional expertise and experience in the food and restaurant sector, will yield a positive response in both the South Korean and Singaporean markets."

Chipotle Logo (Korea).
Photo by SPC Group

This achievement was largely driven by Heo Heesu, Vice President of SPC Group. Drawing on his successful experience introducing global brands such as Shake Shack and Jamba to South Korea, he has further accelerated SPC’s global restaurant business expansion by adding Chipotle to the portfolio. Currently, Shake Shack operates a total of 46 stores, with 32 in South Korea and 14 overseas, while Jamba is expanding to 33 stores through rebranding efforts.

Vice President Heo Heesu stated, "I am delighted to introduce Chipotle, a world-renowned Mexican food brand, to customers in South Korea and Singapore, both known for their high culinary standards. By authentically recreating Chipotle’s fresh and healthy flavors, we aim to offer customers a special gourmet experience and lead both domestic and global dining trends."