Posted:23-June-2026
Driving Zambrero's South East Coast Growth
With more than 20 years' experience in the hospitality sector, Sumin Lohani has taken on the role of Zambrero Development Agent for the South East of England. A successful multi-site franchisee with Zambrero, the rapidly expanding Mexican-inspired restaurant brand, Sumin also operates multiple YO! Sushi locations and owns The Compasses Inn in the New Forest. In his new role, he will lead Zambrero's growth across Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, helping to create new business opportunities and jobs while championing the brand's Plate 4 Plate initiative, which provides meals to people in need around the world.
- Name: Sumin Lohani
- Location: Hampshire, Berkshire and Isle of Wight
- Franchise: Zambrero UK and YO Sushi
- Franchising since: 2017
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Zambrero franchise business?
I bring over 16 years of senior management experience within national and international hotel chains, including serving as General Manager of a four-star hotel in London. Since 2017, I have transitioned into franchise ownership and operations. I currently operate two Zambrero restaurants, eight YO! Sushi kiosks, and a country pub and hotel in the New Forest. My background combines extensive hospitality leadership with hands-on franchise management across multiple brands and formats
Can you also tell us about Zambrero?
Zambrero is a modern Mexican restaurant franchise with over 350 restaurants worldwide and ambitious plans for growth in the UK. Famous for their fresh, made-to-order burritos and bowls, what sets them apart is their Plate 4 Plate mission, where a meal is donated to someone in need for every burrito or bowl sold. They currently have 16 restaurants in the UK and are actively recruiting for more ambitious Franchise Partners to join the Zam Fam.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why Zambrero?
I chose franchising because it gives me a proven system with brand power and support, allowing me to scale faster and more safely than starting alone. With 16 years in hospitality, food service is my natural home, it's dynamic, people-focused, and operationally rich. I picked Zambrero because it's fresh, simple to run, and its Plate 4 Plate mission makes it a business with real purpose and social impact.
How did you raise the finance?
I started small in early 2017 with a family-run French Bistro, using my own savings. That venture gave me steady cashflow and the trading track record I needed to approach banks for loans and overdrafts. From there, I reinvested profits, used business loans, and gradually expanded, always making sure each step was financially sustainable before moving to the next.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
For Zambrero, I had a fantastic four weeks of training covering both kitchen and front-of-house. Ongoing support comes through regular franchise visits and brand updates, so I'm never left on my own.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a Zambrero franchisee
My role is very hands-on. I'm across all my sites every day, making sure everything runs to franchise standards; from food prep and stock to staffing and service. I visit regularly, support my teams, and deal with any issues straight away. I do handle the admin side too, but my real focus is on the day-to-day operations and making sure we deliver quality and consistency every time.
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date.
One of my biggest challenges was moving from hotel management into fast-paced franchise operations—it was a steep learning curve. Scaling from one small Bistro to multiple sites also tested my financial and people management skills. The pandemic was another tough period, but we kept all sites running.
On the success side, I've grown to two Zambrero restaurants, eight YO! Sushi kiosks, another eight Sushi Daily Kiosk and a pub and hotel. I've built strong teams, stayed true to brand standards, and contributed to Zambrero's amazing Plate 4 Plate mission, where over 100 million meals have been donated so far. My 16 years in hospitality have given me the leadership and discipline to make all of this work.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Absolutely. Becoming a franchisee has taken me from being a corporate hotel manager to building my own multi-site business. I went from one small Bistro in 2017 to now running two Zambrero restaurants, eight YO! Sushi kiosks, and a pub and hotel. It's given me real autonomy and a deep sense of achievement, especially being part of Zambrero's Plate 4 Plate mission, which has donated over 100 million meals. The lifestyle is more flexible but also more demanding. I've grown as a leader, learned to trust my teams, and feel I'm building something meaningful that goes beyond just profit.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Work-life balance isn't always easy with multiple sites, but I've made it a priority. I've built strong teams I can trust, so I don't have to be everywhere at once. I structure my week carefully, protect family time, and use technology to stay connected without being physically present all the time. I also make sure to step away and recharge whether that's time with family, or enjoying the New Forest. It's not perfect every day, but with good people around me and clear boundaries, I've found a rhythm that works.
Can you tell us why Zambrero is ideal for those looking for a scalable opportunity?
Zambrero is ideal for scaling because they have a delicious menu, simple, replicable operations and efficient kitchens. My journey started with a small Bistro in 2017, then I moved into the sushi business, and later added Zambrero. I grew gradually, using profits and loans to fund each new site. The benefits of being multi-unit are huge - better supplier deals, shared systems, diversified risk, and a strong management team. It gives you credibility with franchisors and lenders, and allows you to build something truly substantial.
How do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive?
My staff are my greatest asset. To retain them, I offer fair pay, career progression, and a positive work environment. Many of my managers started as team members and grew through the ranks. To keep morale high, I regularly recognise hard work whether through a simple thank-you, team shout-outs, or small rewards like vouchers and team lunches. I also run performance-based bonuses, Employee of the Month, and team target celebrations. I stay hands-on and visible, so my teams know I'm with them. When people feel valued and see a future, they stay motivated and productive.
Can you tell us about any community involvement?
Community involvement is very important to me. Through my Zambrero franchises, I'm part of the Plate 4 Plate programme, which donates a meal for every burrito or bowl sold in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, mostly to communities in Africa and other developing regions. It's amazing to be part of something that has already delivered over 100 million meals globally. On a personal level, I also fund and support charity work in Nepal, focusing on schools and local communities. Closer to home, my pub and hotel in the New Forest works with local suppliers and supports community events. I truly believe business should give back, and I'm proud to do that in multiple ways
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
The best advice I can give is: do your homework, start small, and grow gradually. I began with one small Bistro in 2017 and only expanded once I had the cashflow and confidence. Speak to existing franchisees - both happy and unhappy ones - so you know the real picture. Make sure you have enough finance and a buffer for the unexpected. Take the training seriously, it's gold. Build a great team and look after them, because they will look after your business. Stay hands-on, be disciplined with money, and find purpose beyond profit, whether that's through charity, community, or creating jobs. And above all, be resilient. It's hard work, but if you stick with it, it's incredibly rewarding
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
In my view, a successful franchisee is disciplined, hardworking, and financially savvy. They follow the brand systems without cutting corners, but they also lead from the front and stay hands-on. They build great teams and look after their people, because staff are the backbone of any business. They adapt to change, stay customer-focused, and never stop learning. Most importantly, they have passion and purpose whether that's through community work, charity, or just taking pride in what they do. Franchising is a long-term game, and the best franchisees think strategically about growth and sustainability.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm really excited about the future as Zambrero's Development Agent for Hampshire, Berkshire, and the Isle of Wight. My main focus now is expanding the brand across the region, finding great locations, recruiting and supporting new franchisees, and building a strong network of restaurants. I want to make Zambrero a leading restaurant franchise brand in the South of England while also growing the Plate 4 Plate mission to donate even more meals. I'll also continue my personal charity work in Nepal and stay connected to my local community in the New Forest. It's an exciting time, and I'm fully committed to making it a success.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Looking back, I'm proud of what I've built, but there are a few things I'd do differently. I'd do even deeper due diligence—speaking to more franchisees, especially those who've had tough times. I'd invest in strong managers and systems earlier, so I could step back and focus on strategy sooner. I'd be more selective with site locations and scale more gradually. I'd also prioritise work-life balance from day one and document processes earlier to make training easier. And I'd invest more in local marketing to build community connections. That said, I have no major regrets, every challenge taught me something valuable, and I'd still take the leap again.
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.
