Banjo’s Bakery announces store opening dates

A popular bakery expects “pastry enthusiasts” and jobseekers alike will be excited about the opening their store.

Plans for Oporto and a second drive-thru tenancy in Rockhampton.

A popular bakery expects “pastry enthusiasts” and jobseekers alike will be excited about the opening their store on Rockhampton’s south side.

A spokesman for Banjo’s Bakery, which will open right next to Guzman Y Gomez, said it was anticipated the store would open by the end of June.

“Banjo’s Bakery, a renowned Australian bakery chain, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest branch in Rockhampton,” the spokesman said.

“This expansion marks a significant milestone for Banjo’s Bakery as it extends its footprint into the vibrant Rockhampton community.

“The opening of the new Banjo’s Bakery in Rockhampton is not only a cause for celebration for pastry enthusiasts but also a beacon of hope for job seekers in the region.”

“With a commitment to fostering local employment opportunities, Banjo’s Bakery is proud to announce that the establishment of this new branch will create 35 new jobs in various roles within the community.”

OPORTO

Rockhampton’s fast food strip will soon get a new addition, with plans for a development on George St approved.

An application to build two food and drink drive-thru tenancies across housing blocks on the corner of George and Cambridge Streets was approved by Rockhampton Regional Council, after plans were lodged in November last year.

The site, 65A George Street and 28-34 Cambridge Street, covers five lots which will be split into two.

The properties sold for a combined total of $1.65 million.

According to the plans one of the tenancies will be an Oporto, a Portuguese-style fast food franchise.

Renders for the Oporto drive-thru in Rockhampton.

It is understood Gloria Jeans was planned to be built alongside the Oporto at the George and Cambridge Streets site, but this is no longer happening.

It’s not yet known what will fill the second tenancy.

Oporto chief executive officer Samantha Bragg said the new Rockhampton store would open in early 2025.

“As Oporto celebrates its 200-restaurant milestone, we are delighted to extend our reach to Rockhampton in early 2025. Until now, residents of Rockhampton have had to travel considerable distances to access our delicious menu, with our nearest restaurants located in Bundaberg and Townsville,” she said.

“We anticipate our new restaurant will create between 20 and 30 jobs, and as we undertake this expansion, we are actively seeking a dedicated franchise partner to join our Oporto familia and help deliver exceptional customer experiences to the community.”

Oporto came to Australia in 1986 and is owned by the holding company that also owns Red Rooster.

There are 26 stores in Queensland and the menu offers flame-grilled chicken, meal boxes, wraps, snacks and sides.

The Rockhampton Oporto restaurant will be the only one between Bundaberg and Townsville.

According to the approved plans, the Oporto site will have a dual-lane drive-thru, which will be built in stage one of construction.

The building will be about 4.8m in height and will be built on the George St side of the block.

Vehicle entry and exit from the site, for both drive-thrus, will be on Cambridge St.

The two drive-thrus will add to the six already operating on the highway strip, with another two drive-thrus to open soon.

GUZMAN Y GOMEZ

Construction on the Guzman Y Gomez and Banjo’s Bakery developments, on the corner of George and Fitzroy Streets, are both well underway.

The Guzman Y Gomez site will be the second in Rockhampton, with the first GYG opening at Stockland Rockhampton in 2016.

Guzman Y Gomez will open its second Rockhampton restaurant on May 14.

A spokesman for Guzman Y Gomez said the new drive-thru store, on the corner of George and Fitzroy Streets, would open on May 14.

“There’s nothing team GYG love doing more than opening new restaurants,” the spokesman said.

“To celebrate the opening, GYG Rockhampton DT will celebrate by serving up $5 burritos and bowls all day long.

“The new drive-thru in Rockhampton will feature a dual-lane drive thru giving the local community more convenience of getting GYG’s 100 per cent clean and freshly prepared menu the way they want whether pick up, drive thru or dine in.

“GYG is on a mission to reinvent fast food because we genuinely believe that fast food doesn’t have to be bad food. We’re excited to show local community that it’s possible to serve good food, fast, without compromising on quality or nutrition.

The spokesman said it would create an extra 80 jobs.

“We’re always looking for people who share our same obsession with delicious fresh food have great energy and love working with real food, you can head to our website for more info,” they said.