Will SPC’s Chipotle business in Korea succeed?

Korean food conglomerate SPC has established a new joint venture with Chipotle Mexican Grill to open the American casual restaurant chain here, according to SPC Thursday. Fans who enjoyed the brand’s Mexican-inspired menu outside of Korea are excited about the news. Questions yet remain over whether SPC can manage the operation well enough to sustain the brand’s long-term success in Korea’s competitive and fast-changing dining scene. Big Bite Company, an SPC unit which operates burger chain Shake Shack here, and Chipotle Mexican Grill signed a deal in July to establish S&C Restaurants Holdings. SPC Vice President Hur Hee-soo and Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright signed the deal. Under the deal, Big Bite Company has exclusive rights to operate Chipotle in Korea and Singapore. The first Chipotle restaurant is scheduled to open in Seoul and Singapore next year. “Given the familiarity of this iconic brand among Koreans and Singaporeans, and their passion for exceptional culinary experiences, these two markets are ideal entry points for Chipotle in Asia,” said Hur. He added, “In additi