Ep 69: Feel-Good Mexican: How Zambrero is Fighting World Hunger One Burrito at a Time

2025-11-12

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In this episode of Straight To The Source, Tawnya Bahr is joined by Richard Prout, Chief of Product and Innovation at Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican restaurant franchise. Richard shares how Dr Sam Prince’s vision of creating fresh, healthy Mexican food grew into a global movement with nearly 100 million meals donated through the Plate 4 Plate initiative. From the brand’s humble beginnings in Canberra to its international footprint spanning Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the US, Zambrero has stayed true to its mission: to end world hunge...

In this episode of Straight To The Source, Tawnya Bahr is joined by Richard Prout, Chief of Product and Innovation at Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican restaurant franchise.

Richard shares how Dr Sam Prince’s vision of creating fresh, healthy Mexican food grew into a global movement with nearly 100 million meals donated through the Plate 4 Plate initiative. From the brand’s humble beginnings in Canberra to its international footprint spanning Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the US, Zambrero has stayed true to its mission: to end world hunger through good food that feels good to eat.

You’ll hear how Richard’s early career in hospitality (and his unlikely path to becoming a tequila connoisseur!) led him to Zambrero, where innovation meets purpose. He also reveals exciting updates on Zambrero’s new chip launch, menu evolution, and how franchise partners are helping grow the feel-good Mex movement across the globe.

Episode Highlights:

The story behind Zambrero and founder Dr Sam Prince’s mission to end world hunger
Richard’s personal journey from fine dining to food innovation
How Plate 4 Plate has helped donate nearly 100 million meals
The secrets behind Zambrero’s menu consistency and innovation
Launching oven-baked chips that taste fried with 50% less fat
Insights into the Zambrero franchise model and growth across Australia and beyond

Whether you’re a foodie, a franchise entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves a burrito with purpose, this episode is packed with flavour and inspiration.

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