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1 May 2026: Zambrero’s newest restaurant at Carrum Downs will celebrate its official opening with a $5 burrito deal on Saturday 2 May after being embraced by customers since it’s “soft opening’’ three weeks ago.
Franchisee Mark Creelman said he was delighted with the positive response to the new restaurant since it opened on April 9.
“We’ve had a great reception and I encourage everyone to come down on Saturday to enjoy a $5 burrito for our official opening,’’ he said.
After two decades in the franchise world, Mark is bringing not one but two Zambrero restaurants to Melbourne's south-east. In addition to Carrum Downs, Patterson Lakes had a soft opening on Monday 21 April and will also offer a $5 burrito deal next Saturday 9 May.
Mark is confident the neighbourhood is going to like what it tastes.
"Mexican-inspired food's time has well and truly come," says Mark. "People want something that's fresh, flavourful and a bit different - and Zambrero ticks all of those boxes. It's also genuinely healthy, which matters. And the brand keeps evolving its menu, so it's not just burritos anymore - though the burritos are really good."
Mark would know. He spent two decades as a McDonald's franchisee - operating at both the franchisee and corporate level. When he started looking at his next chapter, Zambrero stood out for reasons that go well beyond the guacamole.
"The ease of operation is excellent," he says. "The system is well-designed and you can put your energy into where it really counts - customer service and building a great local business."
Zambrero's Plate 4 Plate initiative - which donates a meal to someone in need for every regular or big burrito or bowl, Kids Zam Box or retail item sold – also landed as a genuine point of difference.
"That was one of the things that really attracted me to the brand," Mark says. "You're not just selling lunch - every meal a customer buys feeds someone who needs it. When you're building a local business and you want to mean something to your community, that kind of purpose matters. It's something I'm really proud to be part of."
Choosing Carrum Downs and Patterson Lakes was a deliberate call. The two locations sit close enough together that Mark can keep things tight and run both efficiently - and both communities are exactly the kind of local, family-oriented areas he wants to support.
He is also looking to the future. Mark's 16-year-old daughter Saskia is already eyeing a future in the business. As it happens, Mexican-inspired food is her favourite, so she's not exactly a reluctant recruit.
"She's interested in owning and running a business one day," Mark says. "She'll be doing some culinary school, and hopefully she'll end up running this and making it her own. That's the dream - building something the family can grow into."
Mark is equally committed to growing into the local community. He's already had strong interest from local sporting clubs looking for a sponsorship partner, and he plans to be a visible, active presence in both areas. "The response has been really good," he says. "I want to be part of these communities, not just open a store in them."
So - whether you're a long-time Zambrero fan, someone who's been curious about Feel Good Mex, or just someone who really likes the sound of a $5 burrito - mark your calendar.
Zambrero Carrum Downs: Grand opening Saturday 2 May - $5 burritos all day.
Zambrero Patterson Lakes: Grand opening Saturday 9 May - $5 burritos all day.
Media enquiries: Contact Sid Maher, Alpha Consult. 0401 704 384 or [email protected]
About us:
About Zambrero
Zambrero is Feel Good Mex. A restaurant franchise serving fresh, modern Mexican food with a humanitarian enterprise at its heart. Zambrero is committed to helping end world hunger through its Plate 4 Plate initiative, which donates a meal to someone in need with every burrito or bowl purchased.
Zambrero was founded in Canberra, Australia, in 2005 by Dr Sam Prince, who was a 21-year-old medical student at the time. He has since grown the brand into Australia's largest Mexican-inspired restaurant group, with over 300 locations across Australia and internationally - including the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.
For more information, visit zambrero.com.au
About 4 Plate
Zambrero's mission is to help end world hunger through its Plate 4 Plate initiative. With every regular burrito or big burrito or bowl, Kids Zam Box or retail item purchased, a meal is donated to someone in need through its partners at Rise Against Hunger, Love Mercy and Foodbank. Since its inception, Zambrero has donated over 100 million meals.
Contact details:
Media enquiries: Contact Sid Maher, Alpha Consult. 0401 704 384 or [email protected]
