Chipotle Mexican Grill has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 1000th Chipotlane restaurant in the Kansas City metro area, US.  

It underscores the company's commitment to expanding its digital order drive-through pick-up lanes, which now account for 30% of its more than 3,600 restaurants. 

The landmark Chipotlane is situated at 14833 West 151st Street in Olathe, Kansas and will operate daily from 10:45am until 11pm.  

The first one hundred guests will be gifted a free Chipotle napkin holder.  

The introduction of the Chipotlane format in early 2018 has allowed customers and delivery drivers to collect their orders without leaving their vehicles, offering convenience and efficiency with an average service time of less than 30 seconds. 

Chipotle Mexican Grill chief brand officer Chris Brandt said: "Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long-term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America. 

"This restaurant format is the fastest way for fans to get Chipotle and has proven to increase sales, margins and returns." 

Chipotle's strategic growth plan involves building a real estate pipeline to facilitate an annual new unit growth rate of 8% to 10%.  

Most of these new establishments are set to feature a Chipotlane.  

The company will inaugurate between 285 to 315 new restaurants in 2024.  

In 2025, the company projects the launch of an additional 315 to 345 restaurants, with at least 80% incorporating a Chipotlane. 

In November 2024 Chipotle announced the appointment of Scott Boatwright as its new chief executive officer and board member. 

Boatwright, who had held the position of chief operating officer since 2017, steps into the CEO role after serving as interim CEO since August.