The Oporto store will be at the former site of Hungry Jack’s. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Portuguese-themed fast-food chain Oporto is opening its first restaurant in Griffith in July.
The franchise will be next to the Collier & Miller business at the former site of the Hungry Jack’s outlet, which has moved to the main street.
“We’re excited to share that Oporto Griffith is opening in July at 49 Jondaryan Avenue,” Oporto CEO Therese Frangie said.
“Griffith locals have had to travel considerable distances to enjoy our fresh and crave-worthy Portuguese chicken and burgers, with our nearest restaurant located in Lavington [near Albury].
“We’re thrilled to soon be giving the people of Griffith access to our delicious flame-grilled chicken, burgers, rappas and bowls, and of course our iconic Bondi Burger.”
The 240-square-metre Jondarayan Street premises was leased through Griffith Real Estate and is now being renovated. It’s understood that two local businesspeople have taken on the franchise and will be managing the store on a site owned by an out-of-town investor.
According to property website urban.com.au, the land and building was last sold in 2016 for $3.4 million, when it attracted rent of $3300 a week while leased by Hungry Jack’s.
Oporto is best known for its Portuguese-style chicken. Photo: Oporto/Facebook.
Oporto is currently advertising for the positions of restaurant manager, assistant manager, shift supervisor and team members (to prepare and serve food) on job-search sites such as Seek and Indeed.
“This store will create around 40 jobs for the local community and our franchise partners are currently recruiting for store team members to join our familia,” Ms Frangie said.
Real estate agent Brian Bertolin, who assisted with the leasing of the property, said it was exciting news for Griffith.
“It’s in an excellent location which has been synonymous with fast food over a number of years,” Mr Bertolin said.
”It’s good that big multinational franchises see Griffith as a place to expand to and come to, there’s more positives than negatives in that … it’s a product that will get the juices flowing.”
The first Oporto store was launched in Bondi in 1986 by António Cerqueira, an Australian of Portuguese origin. It now has more than 200 eat-in or takeaway restaurants in Australia and New Zealand.
It’s best known for its Portuguese-style chicken, which is cooked in a flavoursome marinade, as well as its chicken burgers.
Oporto is also expected to open an outlet in Wagga’s HomeCentre retail hub in Hammond Avenue later this year, but this has been subject to delays.
