Mexican restaurant chain will open its first Milton location

One of the restaurant chains credited with popularizing the “fast casual” dining experience is coming to Milton.

Chipotle Mexican Grill says it plans to open a new location at Maingate Plaza, near James Snow Parkway and Main Street East, later this year.

Fast casual dining emerged in the early 1990s as a concept that blends the speed and convenience of fast food with higher-quality ingredients and more customizable menu options associated with higher-end restaurants.

Founded in the United States, Chipotle specializes in made-to-order Mexican-inspired meals including burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads. Customers can customize their meals with proteins such as chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa and plant-based sofritas, along with toppings like guacamole, queso blanco and a range of salsas.

The company is also known for its “Food with Integrity” philosophy, which focuses on fresh ingredients and sourcing from farms that follow sustainable and humane practices.

Chipotle was founded in 1993 by chef Steve Ells after he drew inspiration from the popularity of Mexican street food in San Francisco. He opened the first restaurant in Denver, and the company rapidly expanded with early financial backing from McDonald’s.

Today, Chipotle operates more than 4,000 locations, primarily across the United States.

The chain opened its first Canadian restaurant in Toronto in 2008.

Until the Milton location opens, the nearest Chipotle restaurants for local customers remain in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington.