Zambrero, the fast-casual restaurant founded by Dr. Sam Prince, marks its 20th anniversary today alongside a significant achievement: surpassing 100 million meals donated through its globally recognized Plate 4 Plate initiative. This milestone not only highlights the brand’s commitment to social impact but also underscores its success within a competitive food industry.
When Dr. Prince opened the first Zambrero in Canberra in 2002, many were skeptical that a purpose-driven model could flourish. Over the past two decades, Zambrero has expanded into a global franchise with locations across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. The communities in the Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast have played a vital role in demonstrating the viability of this model.
A Community Impact Initiative
The Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast regions have made significant contributions to Zambrero’s global impact, donating over 1.29 million meals through local community support in the past 11 years. Dr. Prince emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “When Zambrero started in Canberra, the idea that a food business could make a real difference while also succeeding commercially had very few believers.”
Zambrero’s CEO, Daryl McCormack, attributed the company’s success to disciplined execution of its business model. “Zambrero didn’t grow because it was idealistic. It grew because the fundamentals stacked up,” he said. The company has maintained a focus on operational discipline and franchise economics, allowing it to expand from its humble beginnings to multiple international markets.
In celebration of reaching the milestone of 100 million meals donated, Zambrero distributed 100,000 burritos globally. Each burrito purchase triggered an additional meal donation, further increasing the overall total.
Plate 4 Plate at the Core of Business
The Plate 4 Plate initiative remains central to Zambrero’s operations. Each regular or large burrito, bowl, Kids Zam Box, or retail item purchased results in a meal being donated to someone in need. Partnering with organizations like Rise Against Hunger, Love Mercy Foundation, and Foodbank, the impact of this program continues to grow daily.
Local franchise partner Matt Nash, who operates Zambrero restaurants in Lismore, Ballina, Murwillumbah, and Tugun, expressed the significance of this milestone, particularly for Lismore, which recently rebuilt after devastating floods. Nash remarked, “It was especially important in Lismore. We rebuilt after the floods and one of our biggest goals was to reopen quickly for the community and our staff.”
Nash also shared his personal experience with the Plate 4 Plate initiative during a vision trip to Kenya, where he witnessed the positive impact firsthand. “I was stunned by the impact. As a new parent, seeing the smiles on healthy children and the difference it makes for families was incredibly heart-warming.”
As Zambrero reflects on its two-decade journey, the company continues to inspire hope and foster community through its unique blend of social responsibility and successful business strategy.
