Tortilla to become major player in on-campus dining

The UK’s largest burrito brand​​ has already partnered with Chartwells Universities to launch restaurants at Middlesex University, Brunel University, Sussex University and Swansea University. 

It’s not the first time that Tortilla - which currently operates around 60 sites - has looked to expand its business beyond the high street with the brand currently operating sites at Gatwick Airport and Leeds Skelton Lakes Services in partnership with SSP Group. 

Customers will be able to order to eat in or takeaway and in some locations skip the queue by utilising Tortilla’s pre-order kiosks. They also have the option to order via Chartwells Universities’ Uni Food Hub app for collection or delivery around campus. 

Tortilla and Chartwells Universities relationship with external delivery platforms means that in serviceable locations the offer will also be available for delivery within the local area via Deliveroo, Tortilla’s exclusive delivery partner.

Tortilla chief financial officer Andy Naylor described the deal with  as “significant”. 

“It will support our long- term UK growth ambitions, while driving consumer awareness within a key target demographic," adds Chartwells Universities managing director Kerry Ford. "In recent years, we have been successful in adapting the brand for new locations and formats, and this will be another opportunity for us to showcase our ability to bring Tortilla to customers across a breadth of locations.” 

“This agreement marks a milestone in the implementation of our market-leading new proposition for university catering and demonstrates our commitment to evolving our operating model and meeting the ever-changing demands of our students."

“The rising demand for Mexican food has been a stand-out trend during recent years. In Tortilla, we have found a partner to help meet these demands and elevate our Mexican offer, utilising its strong brand equity and shared brand values to engage a young, fun student audience.”

Last year, Tortilla announced its intention to float on AIM​​ as it looked to nearly double its size over the next five years.

The group said it was targeting circa 45 new sites over the next five years including building on the success of its existing portfolio of delivery-only ‘cloud-kitchens’.

Tortilla - which launched its first site in 2007 - is also targeting further franchising and licensing opportunities.