Popular Vietnamese chain Pholklore reveals Ocean Grove expansion plans

A popular local Vietnamese restaurant chain has unveiled plans to transform the site of a former Ocean Grove service station into its latest dining venue. See the plans.

A render of the proposed Pholklore restaurant in Ocean Grove. Image: OG Building Design.

The former site of a Bellarine service station is set to become home to the latest instalment of a popular Vietnamese-inspired restaurant that has developed a loyal following since launching eight years ago.

Pholklore owners Tom McGrath and brothers Josh and Dom Friend, have sought approval from Geelong council to develop 98 The Parade in Ocean Grove into their latest venture.

The application coincides with construction of the group’s first interstate Pholklore at Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and soon after the opening of its Lorne outlet.

The currently vacant 755sq m Ocean Grove site was once home to a service station and last sold for $1.65m in October 2020.

A three-level apartment building sits immediately east, while an Indian restaurant to the west recently closed.

According to plans that are currently out for public consultation, there would be no on-site carparking.

Rather, the application highlights a number of nearby public parking options and the Coles carpark approximately 250m away.

Pholklore owners Tom McGrath, Dom Friend and Josh Friend. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

Key features of the proposal include a steel-clad building fitted out as a kitchen and bar, two 40-foot shipping containers – one for an enclosed dining area, the other for toilet facilities – and two 20-foot containers for storage, a freezer and cool room facilities.

“The development provides a unique choice to diners that is not yet present in Ocean Grove, but exists a high demand for,” the application states.

“The owners believe this to be a good utilisation of such a prominent vacant piece of land that meets the requirements of environment and planning, and is also economically viable.”

Pholklore opened its first restaurant in Torquay in 2017, followed by a Geelong West outlet in 2021.

As the name suggests, pho is the major staple on the restaurant’s menu, but a large number of other Asian fusion options are available.

Another render of the proposed Ocean Grove restaurant. Image: OG Building Design.

The Ocean Grove application states that a number of measures would be taken to minimise any impact on nearby residents, particularly those in the adjacent apartments.

“Appropriate screening measures and noise mitigation will feature along the roof lines and wall construction along this elevation,” it states.

“Lighting will be baffled and pointed away from the residential building to minimise light pollution.”

Mr McGrath said the idea for an Ocean Grove outlet was sparked when chatter in online community groups highlighted residents’ desire for a Pholklore nearby.

He hopes the restaurant will be open in time for the Christmas holidays, but the timeline was dependent on the application process.

“We really encourage anyone who has any issues with the plans to come and speak to us directly,” he said.

“We have a great relationship with our neighbours in Torquay and Geelong, and, of course, we want this to be the case in Ocean Grove.”

Public consultation closes August 16.

Originally published as Popular Vietnamese chain Pholklore reveals Ocean Grove expansion plans