Betty’s Burgers to open 1950s themed restaurant in Playne Street
A campaign to fill vacant shops has attracted some tasty new offerings. See what’s on the menu.
South East
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An old school Aussie burger chain is one of three businesses moving into Frankston as part of a scheme to fill empty shops.
Betty’s Burgers is opening at 25 Playne Street, a gourmet sandwich bar from the Eeny Meeny Cafe team has a spot in Station Street Mall and Loom and Spindle craft store will activate a shopfront at 16 Station Street.
All three businesses received a $20,000 grant as part of a program run by Frankston Council and the State Government to boost jobs and make the most of vacant commercial real estate in the city centre.
Betty’s Burgers Chief Commercial Officer, Merissa Collins, said the team was excited to bring its 1950s burger shack style family restaurant to the revitalisation of Playne Street.
The chain, which also has outlets at Southland, Chadstone, The Glen at Glen Waverley, Windsor and Melbourne CBD, began in Noosa Heads, Queensland in 2014.
“Frankston beach side is the perfect spot for Betty’s Burgers and the grant will help us make this a reality sooner,” Ms Collins said.
“Betty’s Burgers has big plans to employ up to 60 staff, so we are thrilled to be able to support and build employment in the local area.
Ms Collins said she and the restaurant’s managing director were Frankston locals keen for to add to the city’s resurgence.
“As parents with children in local high schools here, we are already confident with the resonance the brand will have with the youth and families of Frankston,” she said.
The development of Playne Street and the hospitality sector across Frankston is very important to us.”
The chain, which also has outlets at Southland, Chadstone, The Glen at Glen Waverley, Windsor and Melbourne CBD, began in Noosa Heads, Queensland in 2014.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said the council was committed to establishing new businesses, creating growth and supporting jobs.
“These grants are a fantastic incentive to not only help businesses pursue their bricks and mortar enterprises, but also help revitalise the City’s economy,” Cr Conroy said.
State Labor Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke MP said the initiative would “breathe even more life” into the city centre.
“Considering the challenges that COVID-19 has thrown at our city, I’m very pleased to have assisted Council to secure funding for this crucial initiative,” Mr Edbrooke said.
Nine applications for the $110,000 Vacant Shopfront Activation Grants were assessed for their ability to create jobs, increase foot traffic, invigorate retail shopping strips and activate an unused site.