Wahaca seeks sustainable restaurant sites

Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca is seeking sustainable restaurant sites across London that focus on sustainability, as the brand begins its measured expansion programme across the capital. 

The company plans to open new venues in locations such as King's Cross, Victoria and several London suburbs. Wahaca is specifically targeting locations and landlords that prioritise the environment.

The expansion strategy is supported by the brand's introduction of carbon ratings to its menus from this week, measuring the climate impact of each of its dishes. In an industry first for a British restaurant group, the move is designed to help diners make conscious choices around dishes that are kinder to the planet. 

With a 2020 study from the World Food LCA database revealing that food is responsible for 28% of global emissions, informing consumers on the planetary impact of dishes has never been more important. To calculate the carbon footprint of each dish, Wahaca partnered with food and climate specialists Klimato to give a low, medium or high rating. By conducting a 'life cycle analysis' of each ingredient, the resulting data provides a picture of the overall greenhouse gas emissions from every dish served. 

"We have always prioritised sustainability and the environment, but believe actions speak louder than words," says Wahaca co-founder Mark Selby. "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."

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