Wahaca expands London presence with sustainable sites
With the help of carbon food counts, diners can understand how their choices impact the environment
Mexican restaurant group Wahaca is set to secure a series of sites across London that focus on sustainability as it begins a measured expansion programme in the capital.
The Mexican restaurant group has partnered with P-THREE to open new restaurants in key locations such as King’s Cross, Victoria and strong London suburbs. Wahaca is specifically targeting locations and landlords who prioritise the environment.
This expansion further aligns the Wahaca brand with the surge in conscious consumerism. Food now accounts for 28% of global emissions, with that figure expected to rise as the world’s population increases.
Wahaca has always been a brand at the forefront of sustainability, while being a much-loved restaurant chain. The group was recently voted as London’s favourite restaurant group in a Yougov poll (Dec 2019).
In order to measure the environmental impact of its new restaurants, Wahaca will be introducing food carbon counts. This will provide diners with an understanding of how their food choices impact the environment.
“We have always prioritised sustainability and the environment, but believe actions speak louder than words. So as well as continuing to innovate with initiatives such as the carbon food ratings and being the UK’s first carbon neutral restaurant business, we are putting sustainability at the centre of our expansion strategy. We want to work with landlords to open restaurants in places that share not only our ethos, but are as committed as we are to taking positive, affirmative action on the environment. While some may see this as a bold step, we see it as a necessary one. It has also been well-received by the landlords we have spoken to, all of whom are seeking more sustainable partners," said Wahaca co-founder Mark Selby.
"Landlords are rightly prioritising ESG corporately, but there is a growing move to do so at an asset-level too as they respond to changing consumer behaviours. Brands that prioritise sustainability and deliver meaningful actions on reducing their environmental impact are in demand as developers and owners seek to create more sustainable places. While Wahaca’s new strategy lays down a challenge, it is being welcomed by landlords and leading to some exciting conversations," Thomas Rose, co-founder of P-THREE, added.
