Daryl McCormack named as new Zambrero CEO to drive next growth phase

Zambrero

Monday 27 October 2025: Zambrero founder Dr Sam Prince has announced the appointment of Daryl McCormack as the company’s new CEO as the fast-growing international Mexican restaurant chain positions itself for its next phase of growth.

Daryl brings to the role a rare combination of corporate leadership, franchise experience, and purpose-driven alignment. Beginning his career at KPMG, he went on to serve as CFO of the Gandel Group, one of Australia’s largest private investment companies, before becoming CEO of Blockbuster for Australia and New Zealand, where he built a global franchise network span more than 300 locations. He was then CEO for Video Ezy, managing a franchise network of more than 500 locations.

For over 13 years, Daryl has been an integral part of the Zambrero family, serving as the Development Agent for Victoria and a multi-unit Franchise Partner. Through his restaurants, he has helped deliver more than five million meals to people in need as part of Zambrero’s Plate 4 Plate initiative, directly supporting the company’s mission to help end world hunger, one burrito at a time.

With Zambrero celebrating its 20th anniversary in December 2025 and approaching the donation of its 100 millionth meal through the Plate 4 Plate initiative, the appointment signals a new chapter of growth and cultural continuity for the brand.

In the past two decades, Zambrero has grown into an international force of 339 restaurants across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and the United States, making it one of Australia’s most successful homegrown franchise brands.

Zambrero is on track to reach 400 restaurants by early 2026 and remains committed to its long-term ambition of 500 globally, with growth across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Daryl’s appointment was announced at Zambrero’s annual Franchise Partner conference in Sydney today to strong support from attendees.

Founded in 2005 by Dr Prince, Zambrero began as a single restaurant in Canberra with a simple but powerful idea: that business could be a force for good.

Through its Plate 4 Plate program, Zambrero donates a meal to someone in need for every burrito or bowl purchased. The company is now on the verge of donating its 100 millionth meal, a remarkable milestone that reflects both its commercial success and enduring social purpose.

Under Daryl’s leadership, Zambrero will continue to accelerate its purpose-led growth model while maintaining its strong operational and cultural foundations. The brand has recorded double-digit like-for-like sales growth and expanded to 339 restaurants worldwide, including 285 across Australia.

Daryl will start immediately as CEO.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ZAMBRERO FOUNDER DR SAM PRINCE
"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."

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCOMING ZAMBRERO CEO Daryl McCormack
“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 have great empathy and appreciation for our franchise partners, having been in their position for the last 13 years. At the same time, my experience as a franchisor enables me to understand what is required to run a successful franchise business.”

“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.”

LJ Loch [email protected] or 0488038555