In response to a wave of rumors circulating online, Chipotle Mexican Grill has firmly denied claims that the company is closing its restaurants or filing for bankruptcy in 2025. The misinformation, which quickly spread across social media platforms, has been traced back to a misleading news snippet from a lesser-known Spanish media outlet. However, company officials and financial reports confirm that Chipotle is in fact growing, not shrinking.
Rumor Sparks Panic Online
Social media users were caught off guard when posts began circulating with statements like, “Chipotle is closing all restaurants & is declaring bankruptcy.” The speculation rapidly gained traction, with thousands of shares and comments adding to the confusion. Some users questioned the authenticity of the claims, while others accepted the news without verification, further fueling the online chatter.
The rumor appears to have originated from a brief article published by Unión Rayo, a Madrid-based media aggregator. The article referenced the shutdown of “Farmesa Fresh,” a spinoff venture launched by Chipotle. Unfortunately, the inclusion of Chipotle’s logo and branding in the accompanying image misled readers into assuming that the main restaurant chain was facing financial collapse.
No Evidence of Closure
Despite the uproar, there is no evidence to support the claim that Chipotle Mexican Grill is shutting down any of its 3,700+ locations across the United States and other markets. On the contrary, the company has continued to demonstrate strong financial performance and strategic expansion.
A company spokesperson clarified, “There are no plans to close any restaurants or file for bankruptcy. Chipotle remains financially stable and is actively pursuing growth opportunities.” The company emphasized that the confusion likely stemmed from the Farmesa Fresh venture, which was a short-lived test concept rather than a core business operation.
Strong Financial Standing
Chipotle’s financial results from fiscal year 2024 further dispel the rumors. The company recorded a revenue of $2.8 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 14.6% year-on-year increase. Additionally, the company boasts over $2 billion in cash reserves and zero corporate debt—figures that indicate robust financial health.
In the last fiscal year alone, Chipotle opened 304 new company-owned outlets and closed only five, primarily due to performance-related evaluations. The company also relocated eight existing restaurants and launched three new licensed locations. Plans are underway to open an additional 315 to 345 restaurants in 2025, with more than 80% of them expected to include “Chipotlane” drive-thru services.
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The Farmesa Fresh Confusion
The source of the misinformation—Farmesa Fresh—was a separate restaurant concept piloted by Chipotle in 2023. The test location in Santa Monica, California, was designed as a fresh bowl eatery with a simplified menu curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Nate Appleman. However, after several months of trial operations and internal assessments, Chipotle decided to discontinue the concept and redirect its focus toward its main brand.
According to a press statement, “Farmesa Fresh was launched to gather insights and test new culinary ideas. While it was a valuable experiment, the company has chosen not to expand the concept further.”
Official Statement from Chipotle
On March 21, following its earnings call, Chipotle’s media relations team issued an official statement addressing the social media speculation. “There is absolutely no truth to the rumors suggesting Chipotle Mexican Grill is closing or facing bankruptcy. The company is financially strong, growing steadily, and committed to delivering quality food and service across all our locations.”
The spokesperson also noted that misinformation can have damaging effects not only on public perception but also on employee morale and investor confidence. “We encourage our customers and stakeholders to rely on verified sources for accurate updates,” the statement added.
Expansion Continues
Chipotle’s expansion strategy remains ambitious. The inclusion of more Chipotlanes is a key part of the plan to enhance customer convenience and drive-thru revenue. The company is also exploring new digital ordering solutions and loyalty programs to further boost sales and customer engagement.
With a strong balance sheet and clear growth roadmap, Chipotle’s future appears secure. The rumors, while disruptive, have ultimately drawn attention to the company’s underlying strength and resilience.
Final Word
In the age of viral misinformation, this episode underscores the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions. Despite the noise, Chipotle Mexican Grill continues to thrive, expand, and innovate—reinforcing its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector.
