US fast-food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its first location in Mexico, in the upscale neighbourhood of San Pedro Garza García in Monterrey (a major northern Mexican city near the US border), drawing widespread ridicule online. Social media users mocked the move with comparisons such as "Panda Express opening in mainland China," while others raised economic concerns about profits leaving the country rather than supporting local businesses. The expansion, launched in partnership with Mexican restaurant operator Alsea, faces a difficult historical precedent — Taco Bell twice failed to establish itself in Mexico and closed all its locations there by 2010 — though Chipotle's chief executive said the company enters "with deep respect for Mexico's culinary heritage" and plans to expand into Mexico City next year.