NEW YORK (PIX11) — Chipotle Mexican Grill has firmly denied rumors that it is filing for bankruptcy or closing any of its restaurants amidst confusion sparked by an inaccurate article circulating online. A spokesperson for the beloved fast-casual brand confirmed to PIX11 News on March 22, 2025, that Chipotle has no plans to shut down locations or cease operations.
The unfounded rumors spread like wildfire on social media over the weekend, with many users expressing shock and concern. Posts claiming that Chipotle was going out of business flooded X, formerly known as Twitter. A user named @SukolVentures tweeted, "Chipotle is closing all restaurants & is declaring bankruptcy,” echoing sentiments shared by others who were startled by the news. Another user added their confusion with, "chipotle is closing. wtf," this post garnering over 3,200 views at the time of publication.
The misinformation appears to have originated from a one-sentence online article published by a media aggregation site in Madrid called Unión Rayo, which incorrectly linked Chipotle to the closure of its venture, Farmesa Fresh. Chipotle had launched Farmesa Fresh in 2023 as part of its expansion strategy, but this concept was later shut down to allow the company to refocus on its core operations.
Despite the confusion, Chipotle has made it clear that it is in fact thriving. As of March 2025, the chain boasts over 3,700 restaurant locations across the United States and is on a growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. Chipotle has plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year alone, with at least 80% of these establishments featuring the popular "Chipotlane," a drive-thru digital order pick-up service.
Financially, Chipotle is in a solid position. Reports indicate that the company recorded revenues of $2.8 billion for the fiscal year 2024, representing a significant 14.6% year-on-year increase. A spokesperson for the company stated, "Chipotle's Q4FY2024 earnings call indicated zero debt and over $2 billion in cash reserves,” demonstrating the brand's strong fiscal health.
The news of Chipotle's purported closure is starkly contradicted by its actual performance and plans. In 2024, the chain closed only five locations while opening 304 company-owned stores, relocated eight locations, and opened three licensed restaurants. This expansion, paired with the closing of Farmesa Fresh, allows Chipotle to channel resources towards its mainstay offerings.
The controversy arose quickly due to the misleading article that included a photo of the Chipotle logo, which added credence to the rumor. While Farmesa Fresh was indeed a venture supported by Chipotle, its closure was a strategic decision to streamline operations and return focus to the Chipotle brand.
In a statement addressing the rumors, Chipotle emphasized its commitment to growth. "The false information stemmed from an inaccurate online article confusing Chipotle with a venture it tested in 2023. The story has since been corrected," the spokesperson remarked.
Chipotle's expansion plans prominently feature new locations that resonate with modern dining habits, particularly the convenience of digital ordering through technology-driven options like the Chipotlane. These innovations are part of a broader strategy to meet the evolving preferences of customers seeking both speedy and quality meal options.
The rapid spread of misinformation regarding Chipotle illustrates how susceptible businesses can be to rumors, particularly within the fast-paced environment of social media. The company is actively working to ensure its customers and investors are correctly informed about its operations and financial status, which remain healthy.
Finally, as Chipotle approaches its busy summer season, the chain looks to cement its standing as a favorite casual dining option for consumers across the nation. With planned expansions and a focus on successful core offerings, Chipotle is gearing up for a strong year ahead, contrary to any noise from the rumor mill.
The alleged bankruptcy rumors have been publicly put to rest, allowing Chipotle to focus on what it does best: serving delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine and innovating to enrich the dining experience.
