Australian Doctor Brings First U.S. Zam’s Bowls + Burritos to Pensacola

Dr. Sam Prince, founder of the global Zambrero chain, chose Pensacola over every other American market for his newest fast-casual concept — and says it feels like coming home.

Australian physician and entrepreneur Dr. Sam Prince is betting that Pensacola is ready for a fresh take on fast-casual dining. Prince, founder of the international Mexican-inspired chain Zambrero, chose Pensacola for the first U.S. location of his newest concept, Zam’s Bowls + Burritos, which held its grand opening Thursday at 404 Brent Lane, the former Del Taco site. Prince flew in from Australia for the celebration.

The menu features customizable bowls and burritos, loaded fries, fat tacos and drinks including Jarritos sodas, juices and coffee. But Prince said the restaurant is about more than a meal. Zam’s continues his long-running “Plate 4 Plate” program, donating a meal to someone in need for every regular or big burrito, bowl or Kid’s Zam Box sold.

A mission rooted in childhood. Prince founded Zambrero in Australia in 2005 while studying medicine, balancing a medical career with growing the business and a lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. He traces that instinct back to his first birthday.

“My first birthday, my family decided rather than give me a birthday party, they’d give a meal to an orphanage for kids with disabilities. It was my first birthday, and it had nothing to do with me and a lot to do with a family that believes in those types of things.”

That lesson became the company’s charitable backbone. “When I grew up and became a doctor and worked in aid, it felt important to kind of bring it back to the restaurant business, and so a meal for a meal began, a plate for a plate,” Prince said. The program has since grown far beyond what he imagined: 108 million meals donated to date.

Why Pensacola. Prince said the city stood out as the right place to launch in America, comparing it to the small Australian town where he grew up.

• Redesigned the full menu and concept before opening in the U.S.
• Emphasis on fresh ingredients, color and healthier options
• First American test market for the Zam’s brand

“We redid a complete menu and redesigned every little thing that we’ve been doing the last 20 years,” Prince said. “We know if we give great service, even then that’s not going to be enough. We’re going to need some luck and some magic behind us and some belief from the community.”

For more information, visit zamsusa.com.