Zambrero targets 10 UK openings in 2026 as franchise network expands

The company plans to sign another 20 franchise partners by year-end.

Zambrero is accelerating its UK expansion plans after signing 14 franchise partners since launching its franchise recruitment programme, with the restaurant chain targeting up to 10 new openings by the end of 2026.

The brand said it is onboarding franchise partners for restaurants in Brackmills, the Isle of Man, Rochdale, Golders Green, and a second Glasgow location as it expands its UK footprint.

Zambrero plans to sign another 20 franchise partners by year-end, bringing the total number with signed commitments to 35.

The company is also targeting a further 30 locations in 2027 as part of its longer-term expansion strategy.

To support franchise growth, Zambrero has appointed three development agents covering 14 counties across the UK.

Damian Bennett and Dawn Catherall became the company's first UK development agents in September 2025, overseeing Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

Existing franchise partner Sumin Lohani was later appointed to lead franchise growth across Hampshire, Berkshire, and the Isle of Wight.

James Fleck, Michelle Jelfs, and Sarah Preston have most recently been appointed to oversee expansion in the West Midlands and South West.

The company said discussions are also underway for four of the remaining nine development agent territories as it continues to build its regional support network.

Restaurant expansion has also continued over the past year. Five years after opening its first UK restaurant in North London, Zambrero has opened three restaurants in the past six months, bringing its UK estate to 16 locations across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Basingstoke, Essex, and Glasgow.

Recent openings include the brand's first Scottish restaurant in Glasgow's West End, a third City of London site in St. Paul's, and its first Hampshire restaurant at Festival Place in Basingstoke.

Alongside its physical expansion, Zambrero is investing in digital capabilities. Following the rollout of its Vita Mojo electronic point-of-sale system and Zam Club loyalty programme, the company plans to introduce click-and-collect, catering, and mobile app ordering in the coming months.

Since launching in March 2026, Zam Club has attracted more than 12,000 members and is now available across all UK restaurants.

Menu innovation has also contributed to trading performance. The return of the limited-time Power Burrito and the launch of the Power Bowl in June followed the earlier Triple H promotion, created in collaboration with tattoo artist Miles Langford.

Zambrero said like-for-like sales increased 28% over the past 12 months, following 36% like-for-like growth during the preceding six-month period.

The company also surpassed 100 million meals donated through its Plate 4 Plate initiative during the past year.

The expansion forms part of Zambrero's plan to reach 100 UK restaurants by 2030.