Do we like Zambrero?
Mexican fast-food chain with 350+ restaurants in Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland and the US; founded in Canberra.
Our score: 6 out of 10. A decent chain with a real meal-donation scheme. We found no big scandal, but the sources are thin and franchise pay isn't well covered. We'd back them cautiously.
Not all smooth. In 2024, BRW reported Zambrero was in Federal Court against a former executive, who joined in 2009 and left in 2015. The company accused him of breaking a confidentiality deal over his share buyback.
On workers, a Fair Work Commissioner ordered a Victoria Park Zambrero franchise to pay a former worker $2,184 after an unfair dismissal. We found no wage-theft fines against the brand itself.
In October 2025 Prince named Daryl McCormack as the new CEO, replacing Matthew Kenny, who left suddenly after five years. That makes it a solid, mission-led chain with mild question marks, so a middling-to-good score.