Australia's largest Mexican franchise expands to Durham

The Raleigh location is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Owners said they plan to reopen when the state moves into Phase 3 of its reopening plan.

“Zambrero was founded not only to provide healthy Mexican cuisine but more importantly as an active vehicle to address the hunger crisis across the globe,” said Susie Deatherage, chief operating officer of Phoenix Restaurants, LLC, which own both locations. “Unlike the norm in the industry, this restaurant provides a way for diners to enjoy a meal while also immediately and tangibly providing one for someone else in need.”

The super-food menu includes customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, dos capas and quesadillas. Each come with hand-made salsas and sauces. All meat options are prepared without fryers or grills. Meat is prepared using the sous-vide method, the process of vacuum-sealing meats with marinade and spices, submerging in hot water and cooking for up to 18 hours.

Zambrero is also about giving back. All Zambrero locations participate in the Plate 4 Plate initiative in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. For each burrito, bowl or bottle of water purchased, Zambrero donates a meal to someone in need.

Zambrero, which was founded in Canberra, Australia in 2005 by Dr. Sam Prince, now has more than 200 restaurants around the globe.