Quick service Mexican restaurant Zambrero, has taken home two QSR Media Awards.
Zambrero is a second time winner of the ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative’, which recognises restaurants who think beyond profits, for the Plate 4 Plate initiative.
Since launching Zambrero in 2005, Plate 4 Plate initiative has provided more than 9.4 million meals to those in need around the world and in Australia. Every burrito or bowl sold is donated to someone in the developing world. Every Zambrero franchisee across Australia, 119 in total, participates in the initiative.
Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero’s founder, said “I believe we all have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate and this has guided Zambrero from its inception. We were the first restaurant group in Australia to introduce this type of ‘one for one’ global charity initiative and are thrilled to be recognised by the industry and our peers, who we hope will join us in our mission to end world hunger.”
Zambrero also won the ‘Best Sustainability Initiative’ award, which recognises companies that push for sustainable options.
A key focus for Zambrero is making the packaging of products as environmentally friendly as possible – all are carbon neutral – whilst maintaining an appealing aesthetic. As well as eco-friendly products such as the plant based bioplastic cutlery, fully recyclable takeaway bags, and sugarcane pulp trays, Zambrero works with suppliers to reduce all waste.
“We are privileged at Zambrero to have a network of suppliers, owners and employees and customers who are all invested in our environmental and social initiatives which helps us to achieve our goals and set even bigger ones. Zambrero is all about innovation so we will continue to embrace new technology to help us make progress in our quest to make the world a better place,’ said Zambrero CEO Karim Messih.
The QSR Media Awards aims to recognise and showcase Australian quick-serve and fast casual restaurants, in different facets of the business – from marketing, to operations and leadership.
Zambrero founder Dr Sam Prince with FoodBank Australia general manager Sarah Pennell and Zambrero CEO Karim Messih