Fast food chain with 20 sites in the UK abruptly closes high street branch

A FAST food chain with 20 UK sites has abruptly shut one of its high street restaurants.

Chipotle has unexpectedly closed its Watford branch for good only two years after it first opened.

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The Watford branch held a significant place in Chipotle's UK history as its first venture outside of London, opening in June 2022.

While initially hailed as a milestone in the chain's expansion, the closure demonstrates the challenges of establishing a presence beyond the capital.

Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs office at Chipotle, said: "As part of our ongoing operations, we reviewed the performance of our Watford restaurant and made the difficult decision to close the location.

"Our employees were offered opportunities at other Chipotle restaurants in the London area."

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All other restaurants remain unaffected by the single closure.

Chipotle is famed in the US for its burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and salads.

Specifically, their guacamole is often cited as a favourite, along with their pico de gallo, cheese, and fajita vegetables.

While they offer a variety of meats, chicken and steak are popular choices.

Chipotle's UK journey began in May 2010 with its first restaurant on London's Charing Cross Road.

Initial expansion was swift, with additional locations opening on Baker Street, Wardour Street, and St Martin's Lane by late 2011, and a fifth in Islington shortly after. 

Growth then slowed considerably, with only two more London branches appearing by 2015. 

Despite the slower-than-expected growth, Chipotle maintained its commitment to the UK market.

By 2022, the chain had grown to 12 restaurants, primarily in London, and had reaffirmed its intention to expand further, utilising a "stage gate" approach to test and learn from new openings.

This strategy allowed Chipotle to adapt to the UK market and refine its offerings.

As of January 2024, Chipotle operates 20 UK restaurants.

What is happening to the hospitality industry?

Many food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration in 2023, with owners saying it resulted in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores.

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.

What's on the menu at Chipotle?

The chain offers a wide choice on its menu.

Build your own burritos and burrito bowls start at £9.45.

There is also a wide selection of lifestyle bowls with the cheapest ones starting at £9.45 but going up to £13.45 for a high protein bowl or the protein pump bowl.

Quesadillas are also build your own so do vary in price depending on what you order but the cheapest ones start at £9.45.

Similarly, their salads start at £9.45 but vary depending on what you order.

There's also a whole range of tacos on offer as well with prices once again starting at £9.45.

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Chipotle also has a range of sides and dips to choose from, along with different size options.

Tortilla chips and guacamole costs £4.65 while an order of chips and fresh tomato salsa costs £3.15.