Mexican-inspired restaurant chain Zambrero UK has signed 14 franchise partners in the first year of its franchise recruitment programme, building on plans to open 100 sites nationwide by 2030.
The Australian-founded QSR brand first launched in the UK in 2021. Over the past six months, Zambrero has opened three new restaurants, taking its UK estate to 16 locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Basingstoke, Chelmsford and Glasgow.
The business is currently onboarding franchise partners for restaurants opening in Brackmills, the Isle of Man, Rochdale, Golders Green, and a second Glasgow location. By the end of 2026, Zambrero aims to sign a further 20 franchise partners, taking the total number with signed commitments to 35.
Up to 10 new restaurants are now forecast to open by the end of 2026, with a further 30 locations targeted for 2027.
To support this growth, the business has appointed three development agents to drive regional expansion across 14 counties throughout the UK.
The expansion plans follow a year of sales growth for the brand, which delivered a 28% increase in like-for-like sales over the past 12 months.
“One of the most encouraging aspects of our first year of franchising in the UK has been the people joining the Zambrero network,” said Zambrero UK CEO Emily Teh. “We’re attracting entrepreneurs with a genuine passion for hospitality, community engagement and business growth, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for as we expand.
“With the expertise of our development agents, we’re creating a support structure that gives franchise partners the tools, guidance and confidence to succeed from day one.”
Aside from its franchise programme, Zambrero reached another milestone over the past 12 months, surpassing 100 million meals donated through its Plate 4 Plate initiative. For every burrito or bowl purchased at a Zambrero restaurant, a nutritious meal is donated to someone in need through the brand’s global distribution partner, Rise Against Hunger.
Teh added: “Plate 4 Plate continues to resonate strongly with prospective franchise partners because it demonstrates that commercial success and social impact can go hand in hand. It’s a genuine point of difference for Zambrero and remains one of the reasons people choose to join our network.”
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