Zambrero, the fast-growing modern Mexican restaurant franchise, has strengthened its UK presence with the opening of a new restaurant at Festival Place in Basingstoke, marking the brand’s first location in Hampshire.
The restaurant, which officially opened on 30 May, occupies a prominent position in Queen Anne’s Square within Festival Place Shopping Centre and has created 10 full- and part-time jobs. Designed to cater to both dine-in and takeaway customers, the outlet offers seating for 25 guests.
Known for its freshly prepared and customisable Mexican menu, Zambrero serves its signature burritos and bowls alongside tacos, nachos and quesadillas. Customers can choose from a range of slow-cooked meat fillings, while vegetarian, vegan and halal options are also available.
The Basingstoke restaurant has been launched by Sumin Lohani, an experienced Zambrero franchise partner who joined the brand in 2025 after taking over an existing restaurant in Reading. Having lived and worked in Basingstoke for more than 15 years, including serving as a local hotel operations manager, Lohani identified the town as a key growth opportunity for the brand.
“Opening in Basingstoke is a proud moment for me personally, having lived and worked in the town for many years. Festival Place is a fantastic location for Zambrero, right at the heart of the community, and I’m excited to introduce more people to our Feel Good Mex and purpose-led approach,” said Lohani.
A key differentiator for Zambrero is its Plate 4 Plate initiative. Through a partnership with Rise Against Hunger, the brand donates a nutritious meal to someone in need for every burrito or bowl purchased, combining its food offering with a social impact mission that underpins its “Feel Good Mex” positioning.
Beyond operating restaurants, Lohani also serves as a Zambrero Development Agent, leading franchise recruitment and expansion efforts across Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight. He has outlined ambitious plans to open up to 30 restaurants by 2030, including at least 20 locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 10 in Berkshire. The planned rollout is expected to generate approximately 450 jobs across the region.
The latest opening forms part of Zambrero’s wider UK growth strategy. Founded in Australia, the brand now operates more than 350 restaurants globally across Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States and the UK, and is recognised as the largest Mexican restaurant franchise in both Australia and Ireland.
Basingstoke becomes Zambrero’s 16th UK restaurant since the company entered the market in 2021. The brand’s UK estate now spans locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Essex and Glasgow, with a target of reaching 100 UK restaurants by 2030 through its franchise-led expansion programme.
