Tortilla set to expand in UK

The group is set to open four restaurants this summer, bringing the brand’s total estate to 49 sites.

Following the launch of its Southwark London restaurant in March, the group is to now open sites on Wardour Street in London’s Soho; in Bristol’s Cabot Circus shopping centre; at the Cornmarket in Oxford; and in Cambridge’s Market Square.

Both the Oxford and Cambridge restaurants will have 80-100 covers, while the Soho site will be the fourth location for the brand’s smaller Baby Tortilla concept.

In addition, Tortilla is currently refurbishing its Westfield London location, which is due to re-open in September.

“We have been cautious over the last 18 months with our openings programme,” says managing director Richard Morris.

“The issues we have seen in the sector would suggest that was a sensible strategy.

“We are now however delighted to have such phenomenal locations opening this year, allowing us to really put our foot down again, while continuing to grow sales in our existing estate.”

Tortilla has also continued to expand globally in recent months, with sites in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and Marina Mall opening respectively in March and June.

The business, founded by American Brandon Stephens, opened its first site in Islington in 2007 after he noticed a gap in the market for Cali-Mex food in the UK.

In 2011 the brand received funding from private equity firm Quilvest, enabling it to expand outside London.