By Jodi Schwan

It might not be long before Chipotle Mexican Grill announces plans for Sioux Falls.

After years of looking at the market, the burrito chain is moving toward announcing a first location here.

“We’re getting closer,” said Corey Jones, real estate manager. “We’re excited.”

Jones has visited Sioux Falls and said he was impressed by what he learned.

“It’s a great market,” he said, adding that it could support two Chipotle locations.

Chipotle has long said it wanted to open near The Empire Mall. In recent years, there haven’t been many real estate options.

That has changed with new retail centers opening, Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln moving, and flood plan-related restrictions finally being lifted.

Chipotle won’t open in Sioux Falls this year, Jones said, but there could be some activity by late 2018.