Pocatello and Idaho Falls residents will soon have new dining options close to home, as Chipotle Mexican Grill prepares to open a pair of locations in eastern Idaho this June — expanding the chain’s footprint in a region that has seen steady retail and restaurant growth in recent years.
Two Locations, Two Cities
The first of the two restaurants is set to open on June 11 at 2310 E. 17th St. in Idaho Falls. The Pocatello location, situated at 299 E. Alameda Road, is scheduled to follow later in the month. Both will serve customers daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A notable feature at both sites is the inclusion of a Chipotlane — the chain’s dedicated drive-thru lane designed exclusively for mobile order pickup. The format has become increasingly common in newer Chipotle builds across the country, allowing customers to skip the line inside by placing orders through the company’s app in advance.
Customers at both restaurants will also have access to limited-time menu offerings, including Chipotle Honey Chicken and a Cilantro Lime Sauce, available for a limited period following each opening.
Jobs and Benefits Part of the Pitch
Each location is expected to create approximately 30 jobs, bringing a combined total of roughly 60 new positions to eastern Idaho. For a region where workforce development remains a consistent priority, the openings represent a modest but tangible boost to local employment.
The company is offering a benefits package that goes beyond standard entry-level restaurant compensation. New employees at both locations will have access to a crew bonus program, mental health services, an English as a second language program, and a debt-free college degree benefit — a benefit the chain has emphasized in its broader hiring push across the country.
The college degree program, in particular, has drawn attention in previous Chipotle expansion announcements as a differentiator in a competitive labor market. For Pocatello, home to Idaho State University, the offer of employer-sponsored education access could appeal to students seeking part-time or full-time work with career development upside.
What the Expansion Means for Pocatello
The arrival of a national chain with a strong consumer brand and competitive benefits signals continued confidence in Bannock County’s retail corridor. The E. Alameda Road address places the new Pocatello restaurant in a commercially active stretch that serves both local residents and commuters along the area’s primary surface routes.
Chipotle’s model — fast-casual dining with a focus on customizable, made-to-order meals — has proven durable across varied market sizes, and the company’s move into eastern Idaho suggests its expansion planners see enough population density and traffic to support two simultaneous openings.
For job seekers, both locations represent immediate opportunities ahead of the openings. The company typically begins hiring in the weeks prior to a grand opening, meaning interested applicants in both cities may want to move quickly given the June timeline.
What Comes Next
The Idaho Falls location opens first on June 11, with the Pocatello restaurant expected to follow before the end of the month. Both restaurants will operate under the same daily hours once fully open. Residents interested in employment at the Pocatello location at 299 E. Alameda Road can expect the restaurant to post hiring information through the company’s standard application channels. For more local business and economic development news across Bannock County and southeast Idaho, visit BannockCountyNews.com and IdahoNews.co.