Zambrero has opened its latest UK restaurant in Rochdale, marking the first Development Agent-supported opening for the Mexican quick-service restaurant franchise in the country and another step towards its target of 100 UK locations by 2030.
Located on Mellor Street, close to Rochdale town centre and local colleges, the restaurant opened on September 25 and has created six jobs. It offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery, with seating for 18 customers, and serves Zambrero’s burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos and quesadillas, including vegetarian, vegan and halal options.
The opening is supported by Zambrero Development Agents for Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, Damian Bennett and Dawn Catherall. The Development Agent model provides additional local support to franchise partners, including guidance on location acquisition, restaurant openings, operations, regional marketing and business strategy.
The Rochdale site has been opened by an experienced multi-brand franchise operator who has also committed to opening multiple Zambrero locations, supporting the brand’s strategy of developing multi-unit franchise partners across the UK.
“This opening is a significant moment for both Dawn and me as Development Agents. While it is the third Zambrero in our territory, seeing a franchise partner open their own location makes this one particularly special. It also marks the first Development Agent-supported opening in the UK, demonstrating the growing momentum behind the brand and the strength of our franchise model,” said Damian Bennett, Development Agent for Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
Zambrero Development Agents are responsible for franchise partner recruitment within their territories and also support location acquisition, restaurant openings, operational assistance, brand integrity, regional marketing activation and business strategy.
Rochdale is Zambrero’s second UK opening in September 2026, following its Brackmills restaurant in Northampton earlier this month. The new site takes the brand’s UK network to 18 locations since its market entry in 2021.
“The opening of our Rochdale site is another important milestone in Zambrero’s UK growth journey and reflects the increasing momentum behind the brand. With 18 locations now operating across the UK, including two openings in September 2026 alone, we’re building great momentum towards our initial target of reaching 100 locations by 2030. ” said Emily Teh, CEO of Zambrero UK.
“The appointment of experienced Development Agents such as Damian and Dawn enables us to provide local expertise and hands-on support to franchise partners as they bring Zambrero to new communities. We look forward to welcoming more Development Agents to the network and supporting many more franchise partner openings as we continue to grow our presence across the UK,” Teh added.
Zambrero’s UK network includes locations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Essex, Basingstoke, Northampton and Glasgow. The company is pursuing its 100-location target through its franchise programme.
Globally, Zambrero has more than 350 restaurants across Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States and the UK. Founded in Canberra in 2005 by Dr Sam Prince, the brand has expanded internationally through franchising and serves Mexican-inspired burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos and quesadillas.
Its growth is also linked to its social-impact initiative, Plate 4 Plate, through which Zambrero donates a meal to someone in need for every qualifying burrito or bowl purchased, via its distribution partner Rise Against Hunger.
The Zambrero UK team will be at the National Franchise Exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC on October 2–3, where it will discuss franchise development opportunities as it continues to expand its UK network.
