Chipotle Expands with Second Location in Florence, SC

News Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to open its second location in Florence, South Carolina, by early 2026. The new restaurant will be on South Irby Street, replacing a Salvation Army thrift store. This move is part of a larger goal to meet increasing demand for fast-casual dining in the area. Alongside Chipotle, other establishments like Scrubby’s car wash are also proposed. With the expansion of dining options, Florence aims to offer more choices for its residents and visitors.

Florence, South Carolina Welcomes Second Chipotle Location

Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to expand its footprint in Florence, South Carolina, by opening a second location by early 2026. This new restaurant will be situated on South Irby Street, as confirmed by a company spokesperson. The announcement was made in conjunction with the ongoing developments in the area, which includes various new dining options.

Proposed Location and City Planning

The proposed site for the new Chipotle location is located at the addresses 2037 and 2111 S. Irby St., currently occupied by a Salvation Army thrift store. The city’s planning department, led by Director Jerry Dudley, has identified this area for commercial development. In July, the City Council introduced an ordinance to annex and zone the two lots for this purpose, a key step in the approval process for the restaurant.

Alongside Chipotle, the city has also received applications for a Scrubby’s car wash at nearby lots, further indicating the area’s growth potential. Tim Scott, captain of the local Salvation Army, noted that there are plans underway to rebuild the thrift store, although a formal application for this redevelopment project has not yet been submitted. The new store will be designed to be set back further from the street, improving accessibility for customers.

Current Chipotle Presence in Florence

Currently, Chipotle operates one location on David H. McLeod Boulevard, near Magnolia Mall, and is among almost 50 locations throughout South Carolina. The addition of a second restaurant in Florence aligns with the company’s strategy to meet the growing demand for its fast-casual dining options in the region. Chipotle is known for its customizable menu featuring burritos, burrito bowls, salads, and tacos, alongside various protein choices including barbacoa, chicken, steak, and carnitas. In addition to meat options, the restaurant also provides vegetarian selections such as fresh guacamole, sofritas (a plant-based protein), and an array of fresh ingredients.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Chipotle prides itself on serving responsibly raised meat, adhering to high animal welfare standards, and emphasizing sustainable practices. The company avoids the use of artificial flavors, preservatives, and freezer storage in their food preparation, aligning with a growing consumer preference for fresh and responsibly sourced meals.

Growing Dining Scene in Florence

The new Chipotle location will join a burgeoning culinary landscape in Florence, which recently welcomed Dave’s Hot Chicken in mid-July. Other anticipated eateries include Panda Express, Big Daddy’s Pizza and Wings, and La Perla Tapatia, contributing to a diversified dining experience for residents and visitors alike. The presence of Scrubby’s, which currently operates two locations in Florence, signifies an expanding commercial sector that aims to enhance local services and restaurant choices.

As Florence continues to develop its commercial and dining options, the arrival of this new Chipotle location marks a significant step forward for the community, promising more choices for those seeking quick, fresh, and flavorful meals.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Second Chipotle Location Coming to Florence
• USA Today: National Nurses Week 2025 Deals
• Post and Courier: Panda Express Coming to Florence
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence South Carolina
• Google Search: Chipotle Expansion Florence

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.