Tortilla to open at the Strand, Bluewater Kent and Southampton

Tortilla, the largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in the UK and Europe, is launching three new UK sites this autumn, bringing their signature California-Mexican burritos and tacos outside of London for the first time and providing an exciting new dining option that is fresh, authentic and fantastic value for money. The first new restaurant, which opened at the start of October, is located at Crown Estate’s 460 Strand site in central London, adjacent to Trafalgar Square. The other new sites, which will open in October and November, are located at Bluewater in Kent and in Hammerson’s WestQuay Shopping Centre in Southampton respectively.

Tortilla was founded by managing director Brandon Stephens, who took his inspiration from the neighbourhood taquerias of Los Angeles and San Francisco back in his native California.  The first restaurant opened its doors in October 2007 and since then Tortilla has become the UK’s biggest burrito and taco chain with a reputation as one of the capital’s most up and coming restaurant groups

Brandon commented: “Burritos are healthy, affordable and nutritious, and taste fantastic. We are excited about bringing them to the good people of Kent and Hampshire - why should Londoners have all the fun?”

Russell Loveland, Senior Asset Manager at Lend Lease, co-owners and managers of Bluewater, said: "Tortilla is a great addition to the line-up of brands in Bluewater's Wintergarden, which re-opens on October 9 following a multi-million pound redevelopment.  Tortilla is an exciting brand that not only provides customers with great food, but does so with a real sense of theatre.  They will play a key role in the social dining experience that the Wintergarden will launch."

Sarah Fox, Head of Catering for Hammerson said “We are delighted to welcome Tortilla to our newly reconfigured Food Court at WestQuay. Tortilla has proven itself to be an excellent operator in the fast casual dining sector delivering a consistent quality product. Tortilla is one of the exciting successful younger brands about to expand outside London and their inclusion in the WestQuay line up cements Hammerson’s desire to bring innovative concepts to its centres.”

The new openings follow investment of £2.25M in bank financing from Santander Corporate Banking. The debt facility, alongside Tortilla’s £3.5 million investment from Quilvest Private Equity in December 2011, provides the company with unrivalled financing amongst the UK’s burgeoning fast-casual Mexican operators. The company is understood to be in discussions for several additional locations.