Chipotle started in Denver, Colorado, in 1993, when founder Steve Ells opened the very first Chipotle Mexican Grill as a single burrito shop.

Quick Scoop

  • The first Chipotle opened in Denver , Colorado.
  • Year of launch: 1993.
  • Founder: Steve Ells , a trained chef who had studied at the Culinary Institute of America.
  • He modeled the concept after Mission District burrito shops he experienced while working in San Francisco, then brought that idea back to Colorado.

In short: Chipotle didn’t start as a giant chain—it began as one small Denver burrito spot in 1993, created by chef Steve Ells, and only later grew into a fast‑casual powerhouse.

TL;DR: Chipotle started in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, with a single restaurant opened by Steve Ells, inspired by San Francisco Mission-style burrito joints.

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