Boojum to open first mainland UK restaurant in Leeds

Mexican eatery Boojum is to open its first mainland UK store in Leeds amid plans to deliver 25 stores over the next five years.

The fast-casual burrito bar, which was founded in 2007, has since grown to 15 sites, most of which are located in Belfast and Dublin.

The current pipeline extends to Nottingham, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester, with further site announcements “expected very soon”.

It comes after Boojum was acquired by the Azzurri Group for an undisclosed sum in June last year to support its expansion plans across Britain.

The new Leeds site will also be home to Boojum’s central production kitchen, which the business said marks a firm sign of its commitment to growth.

Robert Powell, head of operations for Boojum, said: “We’ve seen other brands try to expand and not build out the necessary supply chain solutions to deliver the optimum experience.

“This often results in out-of-stock days or food sitting on shelves longer for the consumer, and neither are ideal. Our investment is aimed at delivering the freshest, highest-quality Mexican product in the market.”

David Maxwell, founder of Boojum, added: “Boojum's expansion into Leeds is no coincidence. The city's bustling student life and reputation as a foodie paradise make it the perfect stage for our vibrant flavours. We're not just serving food; we're creating experiences and we're excited to blend our Belfast roots with the dynamic spirit of Leeds.”