A new Chipotle Mexican Grill will open in Largo this winter | Chipotle

Permits have been filed for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill in Largo, marking another expansion for the popular fast-casual chain.

Known for its streamlined menu of burritos, tacos, and bowls, the restaurant will open at 13677 Walsingham Road, just five minutes from Indian Rocks Beach, in a former KFC building.

The 2,885-square-foot space is being renovated at a cost of $400,000. Once complete, the restaurant will seat 46 diners inside and another 12 on an outdoor patio.

The project’s architect is Dungan Design Group of Overland Park, Kansas, while Clearwater-based Strategic Commercial Construction is serving as the general contractor.

Chipotle will occupy a former KFC at 13677 Walsingham Road in Largo | Google Maps

Like most of Chipotle’s recent openings, the Largo restaurant will feature a Chipotlane, the company’s drive-thru pickup lane for digital orders.

First introduced in 2018, the concept was designed to streamline service for guests who place and pay for orders ahead of time.

“It takes us all of 12 seconds to get you your food when you pull up in your car because you’ve already paid in advance and made the whole order,” Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol said at a 2019 event.

Site Plan for Chipotle at 13677 Walsingham Road

Building Plan for Chipotle at 13677 Walsingham Road

Elevations for Chipotle at 13677 Walsingham Road

Today, Chipotle operates more than 3,600 restaurants worldwide, with nearly 30 percent including a Chipotlane. That number is growing quickly. This year alone, the company plans to open between 315 and 345 new locations, with at least 80 percent offering the drive-thru feature.

The Largo property was purchased last year by Gainesville-based Fletcher Family Companies for $1.61 million.

An exact opening date has not been announced, but a Chipotle representative confirmed the restaurant is expected to open this winter.