Southwestern Illinois is getting a second Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant

Fans of American-Mexican fast food chain Chipotle will have access to a new metro-east location, with plans to open next spring.

Edwardsville will be home to a Chipotle Mexican Grill, the second in the metro-east and the first in Madison County.

The Edwardsville City Council on Nov. 3 approved a special-use permit to allow an order pick-up and drive-through lane at 2200 Troy Road in Edwardsville.

A site plan included in the council’s meeting agenda shows a 2,707-square-foot building surrounded by 39 parking spaces, including two handicapped spaces, and a drive-through lane. The council approved a drive-through lane for five cars.

Walter Williams, economic/community development director for the City of Edwardsville, stated that all requirements for the plans have been met, and the project is “cleared with the city.” No further action with the city is needed.

Tyler Benson, an analyst in external communications for Chipotle, confirmed that the restaurant is “currently scheduled to open … at some point next spring,” but was unable to provide more information at this time.

Williams said pandemic-related delays to the project are not anticipated and added that Chipotle is expected to open April 1.

The site for the new restaurant is a former location of the Bank of Hillsboro. The existing building will be renovated, according to Williams. The bank announced in January that it was moving to 2496 Troy Road. It moved on Jan. 13.

Chipotle has one metro-east location in Fairview Heights. For more information about Chipotle Mexican Grill, visit the website at chipotle.com.

This story was originally published November 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.