Outback Jacks to open in the CBD and they need workers
After 11 months of languishing, flame-grilled steaks and Top End croc ribs are back on the menu at a favourite Cairns restaurant — and they are hiring today.
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AFTER 11 months of languishing flame-grilled steaks and Top End croc ribs are back on the menu of a national restaurant chain set to reopen on a prime corner block in the Cairns CBD.
A rebranding of all Australian Outback Jacks restaurants has begun at the Cairns outlet as staff furiously work to get the eatery trading for a planned Thursday reopening.
Building owner Phuong Nguyen was forced to take back possession of the building in November last year which forced the closure of the popular restaurant.
On Friday the site, at the corner of Abbott and Aplin streets, was a hive of activity as fire safety officers made sure the building was safe and cleaners begun prepping the building ahead a totally new fit-out.
Restaurant manager Kearav Patel said it was an exciting time.
“The sign guys are outside at the moment and are doing new signs and giving a new look to it,” he said.
Mr Patel said the restaurant would be managed by new franchise holder Maa Foods.
“We work for Diamond Hospitality Group, so they own Lone Star around Australia and Outback Jacks. It was a dying brand and we have taken over the brand and the plan is to reinvigorate and bring some life back to the brand,” he said.
Mr Patel said for the first 12 months the company just wanted to get restaurant running and get the message out that the Cairns outlet was back in business.
“(But) we are planning to shut down the restaurant for 4-5 weeks sometime next year because the property is so old there is so much damage and we can’t (repair it) in bits and pieces. It’s a big mess, especially the kitchen.”
Ahead of the opening Mr Patel said the company was desperately in need of staff and would hold walk-in interviews today.
Chefs, waiters, kitchen hands, bar tenders and floor staff are encouraged to apply in person at Outback Jacks.
The rebrand would be applied to all eight Australian restaurants and two new Sydney outlets set to open next year.
Today’s opening of the Bailey hotel was a factor in the decision to reopen Outback Jacks and it was hoped, together, new life could be injected into the Abbott St dining precinct.
“We are right opposite CC’s Bar and Grill so it is a good combination,” Mr Patel said.
Though its out with the old and in with the new Mr Patel promised the life-size croc above the bar will remain.
Originally published as Outback Jacks to open in the CBD and they need workers