Australia-based fast-casual chain Zambrero has named Daryl McCormack as its new CEO, effective immediately.
The chain, which serves Mexican-inspired dishes, will continue to ramp up its growth model under McCormack.
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It has 339 restaurants across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and the US. The business is planning to open 400 outlets by early 2026 and a longer-term goal of 500.
McCormack stated: “I am so excited to be given this wonderful opportunity by Dr Sam Prince. We share a common optimism about the future and a belief in Zambrero’s capacity to become one of the leading retail brands not just in Australia, but in numerous markets around the world.”
“I am confident that my experience and skill set, combined with the passion of our franchise partners and customers, will see us achieve some amazing things in the coming years.”
McCormack has franchise and corporate leadership experience.
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By GlobalDataHis previous roles include chief executive of Blockbuster for Australia and New Zealand, with more than 300 franchise locations.
McCormack also served as chief executive of Video Ezy, overseeing a franchise system of more than 500 locations.
He has been involved with Zambrero for 13 years, initially working as the development agent for Victoria and later as a multi-unit franchise partner.
Zambrero founder Sam Prince stated: “The skill set required to not only deliver results but to carry real weight when advising Franchise Partners and to truly embody the vision and mission of Zambrero is rare.
“It takes someone who has personally chosen restaurant locations, run them profitability, built them from the ground up, served customers, joined us on Plate 4 Plate Days and Vision Trips, and built a culture aligned with our purpose – Mexican with a Mission.”
“In Daryl McCormack, we have found that person. His experience leading Video Ezy and Blockbuster brings proven commercial acumen, while his time as a franchisee gives him credibility with the two customers every franchising brand serves – those who enjoy our burritos and those who become our franchise partners.”
In July 2025, Zambrero launched a franchise recruitment drive in the UK, aiming to open 100 restaurants by 2030.
