UK-based Mexican restaurant group Tortilla is set to bolster its presence in travel hubs following an extended partnership with the SSP Group, The Caterer has reported. 

The collaboration aims to launch four new restaurants in 2024, with an "exciting pipeline" of additional opportunities anticipated for 2025.  

Since initiating its partnership with SSP in 2019, Tortilla has opened a restaurant at Euston station in London and established five sites across the UK.  

The latest addition to the partnership was the opening at Manchester Piccadilly train station in 2023.  

Established in 2007, Tortilla operates 85 restaurants in the UK and has entered partnerships with Compass Group UK & Ireland, Growth Kitchens and Karma Kitchens. 

The company was quoted by The Caterer as saying: “Franchise partnerships were a key part of its expansion plan as transport hubs, universities and other such locations become an increasingly important channel to access consumers, while its simple kitchen set-up was easy to replicate.” 

Tortilla CEO Richard Morris said: “Whilst Covid inevitably impacted the rate at which we opened sites, we have since launched record-breaking sites in London Gatwick and at Bristol Airport, as well as Leeds motorway service area and Manchester Piccadilly station.  

“We are excited to continue our partnership with more UK travel locations, and potential European equivalents over the coming years, given SSP's strong foothold across 37 countries globally.” 

Beyond the UK, Tortilla's international footprint includes ten restaurants in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, which are operated under franchise agreements.