Australian-founded Mexican food brand Zambrero has appointed three development agents to drive its expansion across Greater London, with plans to open 36 new sites within three years. The move forms part of its wider ambition to reach 100 UK locations by 2030, up from its reported current network of 17 sites.
The proposed London expansion is expected to create around 540 jobs, strengthening the brand’s presence in the UK’s competitive quick-service restaurant market.
Announced on 30 September 2026, the appointments of Charles Stewart, Chris Seymour and Matt King bring more than 45 years of combined experience in franchising, operations and business development.
The team will initially focus on central London locations, including Victoria, Southbank, Westminster, Paddington and the City, before expanding into other boroughs.
Zambrero’s UK expansion plans
Retail Times reports that Zambrero currently operates 17 UK sites across locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Essex, Hampshire, Northampton and Glasgow.
Earlier trade reports in July put the network at 16 restaurants and said the brand had signed 14 franchise partners during its first year of UK franchising. At the time, Zambrero was targeting 35 franchise partners by the end of 2026.
The same reports highlighted like-for-like sales growth of 28% over 12 months. The opening of its Glasgow West End restaurant also marked the brand’s first location in Scotland.
Building a regional development network
Zambrero’s latest London appointments follow the introduction of development agents in other parts of the UK.
Damian Bennett and Dawn Catherall oversee Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, while Sumin Lohani covers Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight. Three additional agents are responsible for the West Midlands and South West.
The regional approach gives the brand dedicated representatives to support franchise recruitment and expansion in individual markets.
Charles Stewart said the brand’s strength, clear purpose and significant growth potential in the UK attracted him to the development role.
“What attracted us to Zambrero was the strength of the brand, its clear sense of purpose and the significant growth opportunity that exists within the UK market,” he said.
Ambitious targets for 2030
Growing from 17 reported UK locations to 100 by 2030 would require more than 80 additional sites over approximately four years. With 36 locations planned for Greater London alone, the capital will play a significant role in the brand’s expansion strategy.
Zambrero has previously outlined plans for up to 10 openings in 2026 and 30 sites in 2027, signalling its intention to accelerate growth through franchising.
The 36-site London target is part of the company’s stated expansion plans, rather than a confirmed pipeline of openings. The announcement did not specify when the development agents would begin work or when the first new London locations are expected to open.
While the reported network figures reflect the company’s stated position, the targets will depend on securing suitable sites and franchise partners as Zambrero continues to build its presence across the UK.
