Officials for Chipotle Mexican Grill announced they have agreed to open restaurants in Asia as part of a joint venture with the South Korea-based SPC Group.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding into South Korea and Singapore in 2026, the restaurant chain announced on Wednesday. File Photo by Will Oliver/EPA UPI

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Officials for Chipotle Mexican Grill have agreed to open restaurants in Asia as part of a joint venture with the South Korea-based SPC Group.

SPC Group is one of South Korea's leading food companies and is partnering with Chipotle to open restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026, Chipotle officials announced Wednesday in a news release.

"With rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle," said Chipotle Chief Executive Officer Scott Boatwright.

"Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets," Boatwright added, "and with notable brand awareness among consumers, we see potential for strong adoption out of the gate."

The news release does not say how many restaurants are planned in South Korea and Singapore.

Chipotle's familiarity among consumers in South Korea and Singapore supports its expansion into Southeast Asia, an SPC Group official said.

"Given the familiarity of this brand among Koreans and Singaporeans, and their passion for exceptional culinary experiences, these two markets are ideal entry points for Chipotle in Asia," said Heesoo Hur, SPC Group owner and executive vice president.

"We have a proven track record of developing global brands," he added. "We see an opportunity for leveraging our market expertise to introduce Chipotle's delicious, responsibly sourced food to guests across the continent."

He lauded Chipotle's menu for using real ingredients that he said are prepared fresh every day.

The popularity of South Korean "K-pop" artists and visits to the United States by others have raised awareness of Chipotle among the nation's consumers, according to Chipotle.

Chipotle in 2023 initiated its first international expansion by partnering with Aishaya Group to open restaurants in the Middle East.

The Aishaya Group operates three restaurants in Kuwait and three in the United Arab Emirates.

Chipotle in April also signed an agreement with Alsea S.A. Bde C.V. to open restaurants in Mexico.

The restaurant chain now has more than 60 locations in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six in France and two in Germany.

Chipotle has more than 3,800 restaurants and intends to expand to 7,000 locations in the United States and Canada.