Zambrero UK strengthens franchise expansion with growing network of regional Centres of Excellence

Zambrero UK is strengthening its franchise expansion strategy through a growing network of regional Centres of Excellence, with its Development Agents taking on their own restaurants to provide hands-on training, operational support and mentoring for new Franchise Partners across their territories.

The initiative forms a key part of Zambrero UK's long-term growth strategy, creating regional hubs where prospective and existing Franchise Partners can learn from experienced operators in live restaurant environments while receiving ongoing support tailored to their local market.

In the North West, Development Agents Damian Bennett and Dawn Catherall are Franchise partners of two Manchester city centre locations. They have established Zambrero Cross Street and Piccadilly restaurants as the Centres of Excellence for Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. Alongside leading franchise recruitment and territory development, by operating both restaurants, they provide practical training and operational guidance to Franchise Partners across the region, with their dedicated training restaurants.

Damian and Dawn bring more than  40 years combined franchising experience, having previously led expansion across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire for Subway. Their expertise spans franchise recruitment, operations, property acquisition and new restaurant openings, making them ideally placed to support Zambrero's continued regional growth.

Meanwhile, in the South, Development Agent and multi-site Franchise Partner Sumin Lohani will use his Basingstoke restaurant as a Centre of Excellence, supporting Franchise Partners across his territory while continuing to expand his own Zambrero portfolio.

In addition, Development Agents for The West Midlands and South West, James Fleck, Michelle Jelfs and Sarah Preston are in the process of setting up the same opportunity for Franchise Partners within their region, using the Zambrero Colmore Row and Bullring restaurants in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

By combining experienced Development Agents with company-approved training locations, Zambrero UK is creating a scalable support network that gives Franchise Partners access to real-world operational expertise from successful restaurant operators, helping to ensure consistency, best practice and long-term business success as the brand continues to expand.

Damian Bennett, Zambrero UK Development Agent for Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, said:

"We're incredibly proud to be part of the Zam Fam and to  help shape Zambrero's growth across our region . Operating the Cross Street and Piccadilly restaurants gives us the perfect platform to support new Franchise Partners with practical, hands-on training while showcasing everything the brand has to offer.

"Having spent more than two decades helping to grow franchise businesses, we know how valuable local support and operational experience can be. These Centres of Excellence will give new Franchise Partners the confidence, knowledge and ongoing guidance they need to build successful businesses with Zambrero."

Since launching in the UK in 2021, Zambrero has steadily expanded its footprint, with restaurants operating across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Basingstoke, Essex and Scotland, alongside a growing pipeline of new locations.

The business is now finalising agreements with additional Development Agent teams to support further regional expansion across the UK, while continuing to recruit experienced Franchise Partners who want to grow with an ambitious international restaurant brand.

Emily Teh, CEO of Zambrero UK, said:

"Our Development Agents are instrumental in helping us build strong regional franchise networks, and our Centres of Excellence take that support one step further.

"As we continue to appoint new Development Agents across the UK, this network of Centres of Excellence will play an increasingly important role in helping us scale the business sustainably while maintaining the high operational standards and franchise support that Zambrero is known for."

Founded in Australia in 2005 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero has grown to more than 350 restaurants across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Ireland and the UK, making it the largest Mexican restaurant franchise in both Australia and Ireland.

The brand serves fresh, Mexican-inspired food made to order, including burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos and quesadillas, alongside a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.

At the heart of the business is Zambrero's Plate 4 Plate humanitarian initiative. For every burrito or bowl purchased, Zambrero donates a nutritious meal to someone in need through its global charity partner, Rise Against Hunger. Together with its customers, the brand has donated more than 100 million meals worldwide, combining great food with a genuine social purpose—earning its reputation as Feel Good Mex.

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