After recently being approved to open a new location in St. Johns, Chipotle Mexican Grill appears to be opening another site in the area, this time in Middleburg at 1694 Blanding Blvd.
The company’s newest location, which would be the third in Clay County, is set to move into the former home of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Farmhouse Chicken & Donuts, which is set to be demolished, according to Jacksonville Daily Record. Clay County is reviewing plans for the new Chipotle location. If approved, the 6,694 square feet site will likely become the home of a new Chipotle with a drive-thru feature called Chipotlanes. This development has no timeline, considering the building still needs demolition.
The new Middleburg location comes just a few days after Chipotle announced that Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO, has accepted the role of Chairman and CEO of Starbucks and will leave the company effective August 31, 2024. Niccol has served as CEO of Chipotle since 2018 and as Chairman of the Board since 2020. Chipotle’s Board of Directors has appointed Scott Boatwright, Chief Operating Officer, as Interim CEO.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work that has been accomplished since I joined Chipotle in 2018,” Brian Niccol said in a press release. “The strategic priorities this team has put in place have positioned Chipotle to win today and enable future growth. It’s hard to leave such a great company and all of the talented people I’ve had the pleasure to work with, but I depart knowing the business is in great shape and poised for growth with a strong, experienced leadership team.”
In addition, Jack Hartung, who recently announced his retirement from Chipotle in 2025, has agreed to remain with the organization indefinitely as President of Strategy, Finance and Supply Chain to ensure a smooth transition. In this new role, Hartung will support Boatwright as Interim CEO, and continue his current oversight of Adam Rymer, Vice President of Finance and incoming CFO, as well as Carlos Londono, global head of Supply Chain. With this leadership change, Scott Maw, Chipotle’s Lead Independent Director, has been named Chairman of the Board, effective immediately.
“I have the utmost confidence in our five key strategies and I’m excited for the new opportunity to lead the business moving forward,” Boatwright said in a press release. “We have a world-class organization full of talented leaders who are passionate about our brand and purpose and excited for the long-term opportunity to grow to 7,000 restaurants in North America and expand internationally.”
