Posted:16-March-2026
Q&A with Dan Hawley, Zambrero Glasgow Franchisee
Dan Hawley is the multi-site owner and operator behind six Zambrero restaurants, and one of the driving forces behind bringing the brand to Scotland. Originally from Australia, he relocated to Glasgow with his family to launch Zambrero’s first Scottish location. With more than 40 years of family experience in franchising behind him, Dan was naturally drawn to the model. "We love that we are a part of a start-up in Scotland! We are fortunate to be able to take what we have learnt over the years in the Australian market and focus on what has worked when we open up here, and so far it’s been a flying success."
- Name: Dan Hawley
- Location: Byres Road, Glasgow
- Franchise: Zambrero
- Date launched the franchise: 7th February
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and what you were doing prior to opening your Zambrero franchise in Glasgow?
I am a multisite owner/operator of 6 Zambrero locations. We were previously based in Australia prior to moving to Glasgow with my family to launch the brand’s first restaurant in Scotland.
Why did you go down the franchise route initially? And why Zambrero?
Our family has been involved in franchising for over 40 years, so it was a natural progression for us. It is a great choice for an aspiring business owners to join an established brand with proven sales and performance data, ultimately taking out a lot of the concerns and unknowns as opposed to launching a new independent venture.
As well as a great business model, Zambrero is a brand with a great purpose behind it, thanks to their Plate 4 Plate initiative where they donate a meal to someone in need for every burrito or bowl sold. It’s that combination of brilliant business and being led by an amazing mission that made me want to get involved with Zambrero.
What have been the main differences between being a Zambrero franchisee in Glasgow vs Australia?
We love that we are a part of a start-up in Scotland! We are fortunate to be able to take what we have learnt over the years in the Australian market and focus on what has worked when we open up here, and so far it’s been a flying success.
What support did you receive from the UK team prior to opening your franchise and after?
The whole Zambrero UK team have been incredibly supportive. I can comfortably say that it would not have been possible without them. Obviously, it was quite daunting for us at times, launching in a country that we had only visited a few times prior to relocating here 9 months ago.
They’ve been on hand to help throughout, giving us hands on support across all aspects from; site selection, operations and marketing, and project managing the build to our grand opening day.
What have the first few months of trading been like?
Massive. The reception we have received so far has exceeded all our expectations. We have clearly found and filled a gap in the market for fresh and healthy Mexican, that also has a great cause.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes, absolutely. It has given us the ability to own and expand a business that we believe so strongly in.
What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully we can continue to expand the brand across Scotland and bring more burritos to more hungry locals, adding to the difference that we’re making to help end world hunger through our Plate 4 Plate initiative.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Don’t overthink it. Believe in what you are buying into. Trust the process, the product, and the people, and you will be successful.
Interested and want to know more about Zambrero UK?
The Zambrero UK profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
