Chipotle Mexican Grill is ready to open its third Centre County location, the first in the area with a drive-thru.

The first in the area with a “Chipotlane,” the restaurant will host a small invite-only event March 18 to celebrate the opening. The restaurant is set to welcome their the first customer and the public on Thursday, March 19, at 1880 S. Atherton St..

Store hours will be 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Each Chipotle restaurant employs around 30 people on their staff, and the South Atherton Street location and is currently hiring.

The Mexican-American chain’s newest restaurant will replace Chen’s Mongolian Buffet, which closed in 2025 after losing its lease after more than a decade in business. The restaurant has not announced any plans to reopen at a different location.

The new location will also make use of the new Chipotle U Rewards program. College students will get 1,000 bonus points and 20% more points on every purchase to earn free food. The Mexican grill will also offer in-app and in-store community fundraisers for loyal customers.

Another new Chipotle, including a drive-thru lane will be coming soon to the area. A new restaurant will be opening in the Paradise Shopping Center near Bellefonte. It will open sometime this summer.