Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to North Asheville. Based on a building permit recently filed, the company’s latest location will be at 167 Merrimon Avenue. The property is directly north of the well-known vegan restaurant Plant.
The proposed 6,180-square-foot space includes more than 20 parking spaces. The site shares a traffic light with the Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, and other establishments across the street. This means access to the new location should be straightforward despite Merrimon Avenue’s busy corridor.
Plant, located at 165 Merrimon Avenue, is one of Asheville’s most established dining destinations. The fine-dining vegan restaurant sources over 90% of its ingredients organically, with a priority on local products, and typically draws reservations well in advance most nights.
The Merrimon Avenue site would be Chipotle’s fourth location in the Asheville market. The chain currently operates existing locations on Patton Avenue, Brevard Road, and Hendersonville Road.
The opening would be part of a broader national push by the Newport Beach, California-based chain. Chipotle plans to open between 315 and 345 restaurants in 2025, with roughly 80% of new locations expected to include a drive-thru “Chipotlane” for digital pickup orders. Whether the Merrimon Avenue location will include a Chipotlane has not been confirmed.
