Mexi Bean Express signs first UK franchise location

Mexican food brand Mexi Bean Express has started its UK expansion with the signing of its first franchise location. 

Peterborough-based entrepreneurs Manoj Kumar Maruthan and Mohamed Fayas Athambawa will be opening the new site in Peterborough’s city centre. 

Maruthan has spent nearly two decades working in cybersecurity and cloud architecture. His business partner Athambawa will bring “valuable” retail knowledge to the site, having managed his own convenience store.

The lease is signed and the fit-out is already underway at 41 Bridge Street. The duo is aiming to open before the end of the year.

Their opening marks a “huge milestone” for Mexi Bean Express, which has grown from a single restaurant in Yorkshire to a multi-site brand.

Manoj said: “Here in Peterborough city centre, there are lots of food options, but we noticed there wasn’t much in the way of good Mexican food. We saw that as a great opportunity. We really liked the Mexi Bean Express menu and concept – that’s what drew us in and made us feel confident about taking on the franchise.”

Founder Danielle Best added: “We’ve built something special in Yorkshire, and it’s amazing to see it catching fire beyond our home turf. Manoj and Fayas have that perfect mix of energy, ambition and community spirit – exactly what we look for in our franchisees. 

“Peterborough’s about to get a taste of Mexi Bean Express magic, and this is only the beginning of our mission to bring fresh Mexican flavour to every corner of the UK and beyond.”