Portuguese-theme fast food franchise Oporto is planning a big expansion in Queensland

PORTUGUESE-theme fast food franchise Oporto is planning a big expansion in Queensland under chief executive Craig Tozer who has moved to the state to oversee operations.

Craig Tozer, chief executive officer of Portuguese chicken and burger chain Oporto.

PORTUGUESE-themed fast food franchise Oporto is planning a big expansion in Queensland under chief executive Craig Tozer who has moved to the state to oversee operations.

The former JP Morgan banker said Oporto planned to double the number of Queensland stores to more than 30 over the next three years and also expand into Asia.

Oporto, which serves Portuguese-style flamed chicken dishes and its signature Bondi burger, currently has about 160 stores, the majority of them in New South Wales.

It plans 200 stores around the country over the next few years, including in shopping centre food courts and stand-alone drive-through restaurants.

“There are growth areas in Queensland,” said Mr Tozer after inspecting the latest Oporto store at Buranda in Brisbane’s south. “I aim to double the size of the market here.”

Founded in 1986 by Portuguese immigrant Antonio Cerqueira, Oporto has grown from a single store at Bondi to a $230 million operation. It is now owned by Craveable Brands, which also owns Red Rooster and Chicken Treat.

Craig Tozer, CEO of Oporto.

Mr Tozer said Mr Cerqueira had been brought back into the business as a consultant to ensure the chain remained faithful to its Portuguese roots.

“The flamed grilled Portuguese chicken and traditional chilli sauce were all based on Antonio’s family recipes,” said Mr Tozer, who adds the chain now sells five million of the founder’s original Bondi chicken burger each year.

“We brought Antonio back because we respect him and want to ensure changes are consistent with the brand. When we do campaigns, we seek his advice.”

Oporto earlier this year opened a store in Singapore, with plans to have up to 20 stores in the Asian city. The company also was looking to open outlets in the Middle East, Malaysia and India. “High growth will come from these regions,” said Mr Tozer. “Incomes are rising and chicken is their protein of choice.”

Commenting on recent complaints from franchisees across the sector about rising costs, high franchise fees and lack of head office support, Mr Tozer said it was important franchisee and franchisors worked together. He added that the level of franchisee disputes within the Oporto chain was low.