Tortilla Mexican Grill PLC (branded as Tortilla) is a fast-food restaurant based in the United Kingdom, founded in 2007 by Brandon and Jennifer Stephens.[1]
As of October 2022, it has 84 branches in the UK.[2] Internationally, Tortilla operates in the Middle East, with 10 stores in Dubai and Saudi Arabia through a franchise partnership with Eathos.[3]
History
The first Tortilla restaurant opened in Islington in 2007, becoming the UK’s largest fast-food Mexican brand.[4] Tortilla offers dine-in, self-serve, take away, click and collect, and delivery.
Tortilla's growth was supported by a steady expansion across the UK, including 10 sites in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, a cloud kitchen estate and exclusive delivery partnership with Deliveroo.[5]
In 2019, Tortilla expanded its footprint to include some of the UK’s most prominent travel hubs, including the Euston railway station, through a partnership with SSP Group.[6] In October 2021, Tortilla announced the launch of two new sites in Gatwick Airport and Leeds Skelton Lake Services.[7]
In May 2021, Tortilla opened a site in Chessington World of Adventures Resort, through a partnership with Merlin Entertainments.[8]
Over the years, Tortilla won several industry awards, including:
In May 2022, Tortilla announced it has acquired the Mexican restaurant chain Chilango Ltd from the investment company RDCP Group Ltd., for £2.8 million.[13]
Values
The brand only uses grass-fed British Isle brisket in its slow-cooked Barbacoa, as well as Red Tractor approved pork,[14] and is a signatory of the Better Chicken Commitment.[15] Meanwhile all vegetarian and vegan dishes are Vegan & Vegetarian Society approved.[16]
In January 2021, to aid youth employment, Tortilla has offered 50 new placements as part of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.[17]
References
- Trevor Clawson. An American In London - From Silicon Valley To The UK Restaurant Trade Forbes, retrieved 2023-01-07^
- Tortilla Mexican Grill plc, Interim results, 3 October 2022 Tortilla Group PLC, 4 October 2022, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- AIM Admission Document Tortilla Group PLC, 8 October 2021, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Joe Lutrario. Wrap stars how Tortilla won the burrito wars Big Hospitality, 12 November 2019, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Joe Lutrario. Tortilla strengthens delivery partnership with Deliveroo Big Hospitality, 23 August 2021, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Tortilla signs development agreement with ssp Tortilla, 2 December 2019, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Tortilla Launches Two Further Sites Through Strategic Partnership with SSP Tortilla Group PLC, 9 September 2021, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Tortilla joins Merlin Entertainments Tortilla, 6 May 2021, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Winners inaugural qsr media uk centegra awards announced QSR Media, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- 30 Under 30 - Restaurant Marketer & Innovator retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Joe Lutrario. Restaurant's R200 Awards winners announced 4 December 2018, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Andrew Seymour. FEJ Awards 2018 Winner Operator of the Year - Best New Kitchen Concept Food Service Equipment Journal, 6 June 2018, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- IN BRIEF: Tortilla Mexican Grill acquires Mexican food chain Chilango www.lse.co.uk, retrieved 2022-05-23^
- Food You Can Count On Tortilla, 18 November 2019, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Better Chicken Commitment Tortilla, 7 November 2019, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Food You Can Count On Tortilla, 6 June 2018, retrieved 12 June 2023^
- Tortilla Aids Youth Employment With Kickstart Scheme Tortilla, 26 January 2021, retrieved 12 June 2023^