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For fans of post-game burritos and pre-road trip bowls, the thought of Chipotle disappearing was enough to spark a minor meltdown across social media. But despite the wave of rumors suggesting the fast-casual chain was going bankrupt or closing locations nationwide, the truth tells a very different story.
Chipotle, which got its start in Denver in 1993 and still holds a strong presence in Colorado, isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's growing-fast.
So where did all this confusion come from? It started with an article published by Unión Rayo, a content aggregator based in Spain, that mistakenly linked Chipotle to the closure of Farmesa Fresh Eatery-a test concept the company quietly pulled the plug on last year in California. The article featured Chipotle's logo, and from there, the internet ran with it.
Farmesa flopped, but Chipotle's still sizzling
Farmesa, the California ghost kitchen experiment, was never meant to be a nationwide rollout. Chipotle confirmed in early 2024 that it wouldn't be expanding the concept after its kitchen partner closed shop. But that nuance was lost in translation-and the internet's rumor mill took it from there.
Erin Wolford, a spokesperson for Chipotle, told USA TODAY the company is not filing for bankruptcy and remains in strong financial health. That's backed by their most recent earnings report, which shows revenue jumped 14.6% in 2024 to $11.3 billion, with zero debt on the books.
That doesn't sound like a company shutting down. In fact, Chipotle plans to open 315 to 345 new restaurants in 2025, with more than 300 already added last year, according to CNBC.
In Colorado alone, 86 Chipotle locations are open and serving everything from classic burritos to lifestyle bowls. The original spot near the University of Denver is still going strong-making it clear the brand hasn't forgotten where it came from.
So no, Chipotle isn't closing. But if you're still worried, maybe swing by your local shop and check for yourself. And hey-grab a side of guac while you're at it.