Zambrero is a fast growing, Mexican-inspired restaurant franchise serving freshly prepared burritos and bowls, with a mission to help end world hunger. It’s that combination of flavour packed dishes and giving back, that we call Feel Good Mex.
Founded in Canberra, Australia in 2005 by Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero has grown into a global network of restaurants with over 350 restaurants across Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Zambrero arrived in the UK in 2021 and we have since established a growing presence in key cities, offering customers a fresh take on fast-casual dining with Mexican-inspired meals tailored to local tastes.
Our menu is as simple as it is delicious, with customisable meals that are made to order. Whether it’s a quick pulled pork burrito in a lunchbreak, a vegan chilli “zin” carne bowl after a workout, or an after school kid’s meal, our menu attracts a broad customer base.
What truly sets Zambrero apart is our Plate 4 Plate initiative – a commitment to helping tackle world hunger. For every burrito or bowl sold, we donate a meal to someone in need through our charity partners. To date, 90+ million meals have been donated globally, and the mission continues to be at the heart of our brand.
The Zambrero franchise model is built on simplicity, scalability, and strong operational support. It offers franchisees the opportunity to be part of a brand that blends commercial success with meaningful social impact. Our restaurants operate in the fast-casual sector, providing speed and convenience while maintaining a focus on food quality and guest experience. The streamlined menu, efficient service model, and adaptable restaurant formats make Zambrero suitable for a variety of locations – from high street stores and shopping centres to delivery-focused kitchens and drive thrus.
Franchising has been integral to Zambrero’s growth since its early years in Australia, with a proven system that has been refined over two decades. In the UK, our franchise programme offers comprehensive training, operational guidance, marketing support, and supply chain management to help franchise partners build and sustain a thriving business.
Zambrero’s long-term objective in the UK is to establish a strong national footprint, making the brand accessible to customers in all major cities and regional hubs alike.
By joining Zambrero, franchise partners are not only investing in a profitable, fast-growing sector, but also becoming part of a global movement that combines food, business, and purpose.
We’re looking for franchise partners who share our passion for great food, exceptional service, and who want to join us in our fight to end world hunger, one burrito at a time.
At Zambrero UK, we believe the success of our franchise partners begins with thorough preparation and continues through ongoing guidance. Our training programme is designed to equip new franchise partners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to run a thriving restaurant from day one, while ensuring they remain supported as they grow.
Initial Training
Before opening, every franchise partner undertakes a comprehensive induction programme covering all aspects of the business. This includes:
• Operations – Practical, hands-on instruction in restaurant operations, menu knowledge, food preparation, health & safety, and customer service.
• Business Management – Guidance on financial planning, cost control, inventory & labour management, and performance monitoring.
• Technology – Training on our point-of-sale systems, online ordering platforms, and food safety & task management systems.
• Marketing & Community Engagement – An introduction to our brand, national marketing campaigns, local marketing initiatives and promotional toolkit.
The training, delivered by our experienced head office team, blends “classroom-style” learning with in-store experience at one of our operational restaurants, giving new franchise partners the opportunity to work alongside experienced team members and see our systems in action.
Pre-Opening Support
Ahead of launch, our operations team works closely with each franchise partner to prepare for their soft-launch and grand opening day. This includes site fit-out project management, supplier setup, stock ordering, and a tailored local marketing plan to drive awareness and footfall from day one.
Ongoing Support
Our commitment to franchisee success doesn’t end at opening. Every franchise partner benefits from:
• Regular Restaurant Visits – Insightful operational recommendations and business coaching from our operations managers who conduct on-site reviews
• Refresher Training – Continuous learning opportunities to keep skills sharp, whether in new menu items, updated procedures, or management techniques via our bespoke on-line learning resource Atlas.
• Marketing & PR – National and local campaigns to build brand visibility, complemented by the assets and support you need to execute campaigns effectively.
• Innovation & Menu Development – Access to new product launches and initiatives designed to keep the menu fresh and competitive.
Life as a Zambrero UK franchise partner is varied, fast-paced, and rewarding. In the early stages of your Zambrero journey, hands-on involvement is key to long-term success. Being present in the restaurant allows you to understand every aspect of the operation, from food preparation and service standards to team dynamics and customer expectations. This early immersion helps you build strong relationships with your team, gain confidence in the systems, and establish the culture you want your business to be known for. The insights gained during this phase become the foundation for scalable success, giving you the knowledge and credibility to later lead through others, delegate effectively, and expand with confidence.
For many franchise partners, each day begins with ensuring their restaurant (or restaurants) are ready to welcome guests – checking that food preparation is on track, stock levels are right , the restaurant is clean and organised, and the team is clear on the day’s priorities. Many franchise partners choose to spend time on the restaurant floor especially during peak periods, greeting customers and supporting their teams to deliver the fresh, high-quality experience Zambrero is known for.
Team leadership is at the heart of the role. Franchise partners work closely with their team leaders and team members to set goals, provide coaching, and deliver ongoing training to maintain excellent service and operational consistency. This includes running short pre-shift meetings, checking in on staff performance, and celebrating team successes.
For multi-unit owners and multi-brand partners, the focus often shifts to leading through others – empowering restaurant managers, reviewing performance across sites, and supporting each location to operate efficiently and consistently. You’ll still be deeply connected to your teams and your local communities, but your day-to-day might involve more strategic oversight, mentoring, and growth planning.
Behind the scenes, time is dedicated to monitoring business performance. Franchise partners review sales data and track key metrics such as cost of sales and labour in order to identify opportunities to drive revenue, improve efficiency and ensure the restaurant is on track to meet its targets.
Local marketing is another important aspect of the role. Franchise partners are encouraged to actively engage with their community – whether through local events, collaborations with nearby businesses, or initiatives to highlight Zambrero’s Plate 4 Plate mission. Building a strong local presence not only drives customer loyalty but also positions the restaurant as a valued part of the community. For multi-unit operators, this can also mean developing regional marketing initiatives and community engagement strategies that connect all of their restaurants under one aligned identity.
While no two days are identical, the role consistently involves balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term business growth. Some days may be more customer-facing while others may focus on administration, recruitment, or planning for future promotions.
As a Zambrero franchise partner, you are the driving force behind your business’s ’s success – leading your team, ensuring customers leave happy, and working with the wider Zambrero UK network to continually raise standards. It’s a dynamic and varied role that rewards hands-on involvement, strong leadership, and a commitment to customer experience which drives business results.
Whether you’re in-store daily or overseeing multiple locations, it’s a dynamic and fulfilling opportunity that rewards strong leadership, operational excellence, and a passion for people and purpose.
