Chipotle drive-thru Wesley Chapel expansion set for 2026

by Cory White
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The Chipotle drive-thru Wesley Chapel project is officially on the way, bringing a modern, convenience-first dining option to one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities. A Mississippi-based developer is behind the move, signaling continued confidence in Wesley Chapel, Chipotle, and the area’s expanding fast-casual landscape.

Development details and location

The Blackburn Group is developing a 2,530-square-foot Chipotle drive-thru Wesley Chapel location with a mobile-order drive-thru at 34120 Wesley Chapel Blvd. The restaurant is replacing the former Keeps Carpet One building, a locally owned flooring store in the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative, making way for a sleek new restaurant, redevelopment, and retail addition.

What makes this Chipotle different

This location will feature the signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane that allows guests to grab digital orders without leaving their cars. Designed for speed and convenience, the concept reflects Chipotle’s growing focus on mobile orders, drive-thru access, and customer experience.

Long-term lease signals confidence

Chipotle signed a rare 20-year lease with four, five-year extension options for the corner lot property, priced at $2,052 per square foot. The long-term commitment highlights the brand’s belief in Wesley Chapel growth, real estate value, and market demand.

Construction timeline and opening window

Building permits were first filed with Pasco County in February, and construction is currently underway. A Chipotle representative confirmed to the Tampa Bay Business Journal that the Chipotle drive-thru Wesley Chapel restaurant is set to open in 2026, reinforcing momentum for new restaurants, local jobs, and economic development.

Property features and transaction history

The site will include 21 parking spaces to accommodate in-store and drive-thru traffic. SDP Florida 1, an entity linked to the Blackburn Group, acquired the property in July for $1.33 million, according to Pasco County records—an investment underscoring confidence in commercial property, Wesley Chapel retail, and future growth.

Team behind the project

The development team includes Horizon Construction Co. and Dungan Design Group, with SRS Capital Markets serving as the brokerage firm. Together, these firms bring experience in construction, design, and commercial leasing to the project.

A prime retail corridor

The new Chipotle sits next to the fully leased 63,888-square-foot Summertree Plaza, home to Publix, Marco’s Pizza, Jersey Mike’s, The UPS Store, and T-Mobile, with cross access to Home Depot. The area already supports strong foot traffic, brand synergy, and retail density.

Not the first Chipotle in town

There is another Chipotle along Wesley Chapel Boulevard, about six miles northwest of the new location. Even so, demand continues to rise, justifying additional restaurant locations, consumer convenience, and market expansion.

Chipotle’s national growth plans

According to an October release from Chipotle, the company expects to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, including 10 to 15 international partner-operated locations. More than 80% of company-owned restaurants will include Chipotlelanes, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on digital strategy, drive-thru growth, and scalable operations.

Wesley Chapel continues to grow

Wesley Chapel is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., experiencing 53% growth from 2014 to 2023, according to StorageCafe. This rapid expansion is fueling demand for new housing, retail centers, and dining options across the region.

Residential and retail momentum

Planned residential developments include more than 300 apartments with ground-floor retail near State Road 56 and Bruce B Downs Boulevard, plus 344 apartments and townhomes on 30 acres by a Boca Raton developer. Recent retail additions include a Whole Foods–anchored mixed-use center, Home Depot’s debut, and a new bahn mi restaurant—signs of urban expansion, mixed-use development, and lifestyle growth.

Industry perspective

“Wesley Chapel is a rapidly growing section of North Tampa with multiple new residential and commercial centers,” Natalie Battisti, vice president of leasing for SJC Ventures, said in a release. Her remarks reflect ongoing investment confidence, leasing demand, and regional momentum.

With construction underway and growth accelerating all around, this Chipotle drive-thru could be just the beginning—what other major brands might Wesley Chapel attract next?

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