Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Zambrero has announced the appointment of development agent Sumin Lohani to lead the Mexican restaurant group’s expansion across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire.
The move forms part of a national strategy to open 100 UK Zambrero locations by 2030. Lohani will be responsible for managing franchise partner recruitment with a target of 30 new sites.
Expansion plans include at least 20 locations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with 10 sites earmarked for Berkshire. The openings are expected to create 450 jobs.
Target locations include high streets and retail parks in Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading and Windsor. Lohani will also seek sites on the Isle of Wight and university campuses.
Lohani joined the group as a franchise partner in 2025 after acquiring a site in Reading. He previously managed multi-site operations for brands including Yo! Sushi.
The entrepreneur, who has lived in Hampshire for 20 years, will open his second Zambrero restaurant in late May at the Festival Place Shopping Centre in Basingstoke.
The group currently operates 14 UK sites. A 15th restaurant will open in London St Paul’s in early May, followed by the Basingstoke site later that month.
Zambrero operates more than 350 restaurants globally, and uses a ‘Plate 4 Plate’ initiative to donate a meal to charity for every burrito or bowl sold.
Emily Teh, chief executive of Zambrero, said: “Sumin joined as a franchise partner at the inception of our franchise model here in the UK. I’m delighted to see him take the reins as a development agent.
“Our regional development agent model has delivered strong results in markets including Australia and Ireland and we’re confident this proven approach will drive the same success here.”
Lohani added: “Having worked with the brand as a franchise partner for many months, I believe it has great growth potential here in the UK.
“What attracted me most to Zambrero is its powerful blend of purpose and business innovation. At the heart of the brand is the Plate 4 Plate initiative.”
