One of America's most popular fast-food chains is targeting Hertfordshire as its first UK restaurant outside London, according to new plans.

On Friday, January 7, Chipotle submitted an application to Watford Borough Council for planning permission to install a new shop front, including new illuminated signage.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has over 2,000 locations in the USA and Canada, and has slowly started to expand into the UK.

The chain, famous for its tacos and burritos, opened their first London restaurant in 2010.

Since then, they've opened 11 more locations, but until now the billion-dollar chain hasn't ventured outside the capital.

The new plans indicate that Watford could be the first place outside of London to be able to see what the fuss is about.

Chipotle is expected to take over the vacant space in 60 High Street, neighbouring Five Guys and opposite Atria Watford.

The plans outline the changes the chain are expected to make to the former The Entertainer location, including new bi-folding doors, awning and digital menu screens.

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According to an application form submitted to the borough council, the restaurant will be open from 11am until 11pm every day of the week.

A floor plan of the restaurant also shows enough space for 72 diners, and the restaurant also offers takeaway and delivery options.

The application form submitted to the borough council says the new restaurant would bring 12 new full-time and 18 new part-time jobs.

The application comes after councillors backed plans to redevelop the unit in June 2021, which will also see 32 residential units built above the new commercial space.

According to Highfield Investments, which is letting the space, the ground floor element will be completed later this summer, while work will continue on the residential element of the development.

A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be delegated to council officers, with the outcome expected in March.