Why is Chipotle expanding into Somerset and Cambria counties? Here's what we know.

Beth Ann Miller, The Daily American
·2 min read

SOMERSET ― Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing its "real food" restaurant concept to Somerset and Cambria counties.

The company, which owns and operates over 3,250 restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Europe, is planning to open a Somerset location next year at 1180 N. Center Ave., in part of the former Kings Restaurant next to Georgian Place.

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The company has already filed a building permit and a land-use permit to install outdoor LED signage around the proposed 2,811-square-foot restaurant, according to Chadd Sines, planner II/GIS specialist for the Somerset County Planning Commission.

A Johnstown location is already under construction at 1431 Scalp Avenue, next to Dunkin' Donuts; that restaurant is scheduled to open in November.

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Construction of a new Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant along Scalp Avenue in Johnstown is nearly complete; the restaurant is scheduled to open in November. A second location, in Somerset, is scheduled to open next year in part of the former Kings restaurant building.
Construction of a new Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant along Scalp Avenue in Johnstown is nearly complete; the restaurant is scheduled to open in November. A second location, in Somerset, is scheduled to open next year in part of the former Kings restaurant building.

Why Chipotle is coming to Somerset

"We are always looking for communities where we can serve responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food and establish new local partnerships, and southwestern PA is a great fit," a Chipotle spokesperson said Thursday in an email to the Daily American.

Chipotle currently operates 119 restaurants in Pennsylvania, including a location on Osgood Drive in Altoona and two locations in Greensburg.

"We're pleased with the response to our existing locations in Altoona and Greensburg, and hope the community enjoys our new Johnstown and Somerset restaurants," the spokesperson said.

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The Somerset restaurant will offer indoor dining as well as Chipotle's signature "Chipotlane," a drive-through pickup lane for guests to pick up digital orders without leaving their vehicles, according to the restaurant's spokesperson..

Chipotle Mexican Grill, based in Newport Beach, California, offers a menu that features burritos, tacos, salads and more prepared fresh daily, using "53 ingredients that you can pronounce," with no frozen or canned foods and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, according to the company's website.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Chipotle Mexican Grill to open Johnstown location in November; Somerset to come in 2024.