Wahaca eyes D/F Mexico expansion

08-Dec-2014 - Last updated on 23-May-2024 at 09:18 GMT

Wahaca plans to expand its new fast casual format D/F Mexico after the success of its first site

Wahaca, the Capricorn Ventures-backed Mexican concept, is eyeing two further openings under its eponymous brand in London and more sites for its fledgling D/F Mexico format, according to our sister title M&C Report.

Co-founder Mark Selby told M&C Report that the company was in advanced talks on sites in Kentish Town and the City for Wahaca but said the bulk of further growth for its core brand would be outside the capital.

He said that the group is also starting to look for sites for fast casual format D/F Mexico after the success of its first site in London’s Spitalfields.

The group recently opened its first regional site in Cardiff, which Selby said was already performing ahead of expectations.

Further regional openings are lined for next year in Bristol and Manchester. It is believed to be looking at opportunities in Liverpool and Brighton.

Selby said: “There is no rush, we will as ever take our time in terms of expansion, but the response we have received in Cardiff has bolstered our confidence that the brand can work outside London. I can’t see us doing too many more sites under the core brand in the capital, but I can see us looking at further opportunities for D/F over the next couple of years.”

He also didn’t rule out doing another dual opening with the group’s Burrito Mama format, following the success of the company’s two adjacent units at One New Change.

Earlier this year, M&C Report revealed that the 14-strong brand had appointed Gavin Smith, former operations manager of Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) brand Browns, to oversee its “organic growth” outside of the capital.