Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Iridium Partners Returns to Mariposa Restaurant Holdings to Drive Next Phase of Franchise Growth
Iridium Partners is pleased to announce its appointment by Mariposa Restaurant Holdings (MRH) to lead the next phase of franchise development across two of New Zealand’s most established hospitality brands: Mexicali Fresh and Burger Wisconsin.
For Iridium Partners’ Nathan Bonney, this engagement carries a personal dimension. He first joined MRH as General Manager in 2014, playing a central role in a significant period of expansion – including the 2015 acquisition of Burger Wisconsin – and helping grow the Mexicali Fresh restaurant footprint from six locations to 16 in just two and a half years. Returning now on a fractional basis through Iridium Partners, Bonney will focus on site acquisition and matching market opportunities to the two brands, with Meredith Taylor leading franchisee recruitment.
“Coming back to MRH feels a little like back to the future. These are brands with strong identities and real room for growth. Mexicali Fresh has a distinctive energy and loyal following, while Burger Wisconsin remains an iconic New Zealand brand with a genuine suburban, neighbourhood feel. It’s the sort of business where you’ll often see the franchisee manning the grill – and that hands-on, owner-operated model is a real point of difference. There are still plenty of suburbs and regional towns around New Zealand crying out for a Burger Wisconsin.”
– Nathan Bonney, Iridium Partners
The timing of this partnership reflects a broader shift in the market. After several years in which franchise growth was constrained for many brands, Iridium Partners is seeing renewed momentum build. “We’re seeing a clear pickup in franchisee interest and new site opportunities coming to market,” says Bonney. With Mexicali Fresh and Burger Wisconsin offering two distinct but complementary concepts, MRH is well positioned to pursue carefully targeted expansion across suburban and regional New Zealand.
For Iridium Partners, this engagement brings together deep institutional knowledge of the MRH business, specialist franchise expertise, and a sharpened focus on identifying the right market opportunities. It’s a return to familiar ground – and a chance to help shape the next chapter of two brands we know well and believe in.
To find out more about franchise opportunities with Mexicali Fresh or Burger Wisconsin, or to discuss how Iridium Partners can support your franchise growth aspirations, get in touch.