Three Lame Reasons You’re Missing Out on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG)

3. How many restaurants does the world need?

I’m not sure how many the world needs. I’m more sure on how many it’s going to get. Currently, the restaurant count sits at 1,502 locations. A double from here is likely.

First, things are still full-speed ahead with Chipotle’s US growth.

	1Q 2012	2Q 2012	3Q 2012	4Q 2012	1Q 2013	2Q 2013
Restaurant Openings	32	55	36	60	45	44

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is averaging 45 new locations every quarter with no signs of slowing down. This year the company looks to open around 180 new locations total.

Second, international expansion is just ramping up.

Country	Locations
Canada	5
England	6
France	1
Germany	0

In Europe, there are two more restaurants currently in the works — one in Frankfurt and one new location in Paris. Interestingly, Chipotle is now in three European countries, but only three cities: London, Paris, and Frankfurt. This means that not only is there plenty of room to grow throughout the continent, but also within the countries it’s in right now.

Finally, Shophouse is on the move. This new restaurant chain — completely owned and developed by Chipotle — just opened its second location. This Hollywood location complements the first location located in Washington, DC. Two more locations are in progress right now, and four additional locations are slated for this time next year. Consumers are receiving this new chain well so far, and this could turn into a respectable chain in its own right in the future.

Conclusion

Don’t let these three lame arguments keep you out of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG). Chipotle is one of those rare opportunities that only comes around once in a while. While the stock is edging back up towards all-time highs, there is still plenty of reason to get in.

The article 3 Lame Reasons You’re Missing Out on Chipotle originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Jon Quast.

Jon Quast has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and McDonald’s. The Motley Fool owns shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill and McDonald’s. Jon is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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