NewsBite

Fratelli Fresh chain to take over Criniti’s venue in Manly

A new Italian restaurant chain is set to move into the former Criniti’s site in Manly, as artist impressions of what it could like are released.

Artist impression of Fratelli Fresh planned for Manly. Picture: Supplied.
Artist impression of Fratelli Fresh planned for Manly. Picture: Supplied.

A well-known restaurant group is set to be on the point of taking over another prime spot in Manly.

Rockpool Dining Group is looking to open its popular Italian chain Fratelli Fresh in the former Criniti’s site on West Esplanade.

It has been advertising for head chef, sous chef, chefs, cooks and pizza chefs for Fratelli Fresh in Manly.

Artist impression of Fratelli Fresh planned for Manly. Picture: Supplied.
Artist impression of Fratelli Fresh planned for Manly. Picture: Supplied.

Owner of the site Bob Smith said Fratelli Fresh was only interested in part of the site, and the remaining space would probably be converted into offices.

The prime spot on West Esplanade is opposite Manly Wharf, where Rockpool Dining has three other major investments.

The other restaurants include the up-market Japanese venture Sake and the more casual Mexican El Camino Cantina, as well as The Bavarian, which last year underwent a major renovation.

Criniti's restaurant Manly after it closed suddenly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke
Criniti's restaurant Manly after it closed suddenly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

It is believed around 65 staff will be employed at the new restaurant.

Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash said the company “absolutely love Manly”.

“We already have The Bavarian, Saké Restaurant and Bar and El Camino Cantina on the wharf and we decided to further invest in Manly following the success of those restaurants,” he said.

Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash at Manly Wharf after announcing he will be launching Sake and El Camino Cantina. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily
Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash at Manly Wharf after announcing he will be launching Sake and El Camino Cantina. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

“In addition, many diners come from Manly to our Fratelli Fresh restaurants in Crows Nest, the city and other suburbs, so we know there is a big appetite for our Italian menu.

“Those guests have been saying for quite some time ‘when are you coming to Manly?’ so we’re delighted to bring them what they’ve been asking for.”

Cr Candy Bingham said it seemed like Fratelli Fresh would be a good addition to Manly and would add to the dining choices already on offer.

“They have good reviews and it seems like a good place for people to gather,” she said.

“For Rockpool to invest in a fourth restaurant in Manly says a lot about Many as a place to come and dine.

“People can park in Manly for $5 after 7pm.

“This new restaurant will make Manly more attractive to diners.”

Rockpool Dining Group has several other prime site venues in Manly including El Camino Cantina on Manly Wharf. Picture: Tom Ferguson
Rockpool Dining Group has several other prime site venues in Manly including El Camino Cantina on Manly Wharf. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Fratelli Fresh has eight other restaurants, making Manly its ninth. A spokesman for Rockpool said it hoped to open sometime in April.

Criniti’s Manly venue closed in November, along with restaurants in Wollongong, Kirrawee, Brisbane and Perth.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/rumours-fratelli-fresh-chain-set-to-take-over-crinitis-venue-in-manly/news-story/2a5011b736407121cb5d74e38d53537c