Mexican chain opens
Zambrero will start trade today
TOOWOOMBA’S newest Mexican restaurant will open its doors today after months of anticipation.
Zambrero, which has stores all around Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States, will be located at Walton Stores.
Franchisee Scott Chapman said it had been an 18-month journey planning the store.
“I grew up in Stanthorpe, did uni in Toowoomba and have been trying to get a store here for 18 months. It was just a matter of finding the right site,” Mr Chapman said.
“We had a choice of a couple of venues, but the best thing about Walton Stores was the car park across the road. It had good established tenancies, it is close to the Empire Theatre, it’s central to town, and it’s about creating a good environment where people can come. That’s what ticked the box for us.
“Now that we’ve found a site we hope that it’s going to go the way we think it will.”
The store will have outdoor seating that overlooks the big screen at Walton Stores, which shows a family movie every month as well as important sport matches.
“I can’t wait for that,” Mr Chapman said.
“We’ve got tables set up so people can sit down and enjoy what’s on the TV.”
He said there was a possibility for more stores opening in the region in the future.
“We want to do at least two more in Toowoomba and then maybe one in Warwick and (Goondiwindi),” he said.
The chain, unlike most restaurants, also has a social enterprise aspect to it.
For every main meal purchased at the store, Zambrero will donate a meal to someone in need around the world through its Plate4Plate initiative. Those meals are distributed to people in other countries as well as to those in need in Australia.
“The company globally has donated 29 million meals,” Mr Chapman said. “The goal is a billion meals by 2025.”
The store will open today with a special $5 burrito and bowl offer.