GlobeSt.com EXCLUSIVE: Chipotle to Open 15 Manhattan Eateries in '03

NEW YORK CITY-Colorado-based casual dining chain Chipotle Mexican Grill is about to make its presence felt in Manhattan. The McDonald’s-owned company has 210 stores nationwide, but none in New York. Now, McDonald’s officials say they’ll have 15 city stores online by the end of 2003.

According to Jeff Roseman, an executive vice president at Newmark New Spectrum Retail LLC, Chipotle is “coming East in a big way.” Newmark New Spectrum is representing Chipotle exclusively in New York.

Marc Frankel, McDonald’s real estate manager for the New York City area, tells GlobeSt.com Chipotle “has moved into accelerated development mode,” and adds that New York City–primarily Manhattan, though upscale outer-borough neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope are also under consideration–is a major target location for the brand. He notes that 15 Chipotle restaurants are expected to open in New York next year and that four leases are ready for signing.