Burleigh Pavilion: The team behind hotspot open Freddy’s Chicken Shop

The boys behind Burleigh Pav have launched a new venue in the heart of the bustling precinct. ALL THE DETAILS >>>

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THE team behind the city's iconic Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic have launched their latest venture in the heart of the bustling precinct. 

The Bulletin exclusively revealed in July that Pavilion boss Ben May and business partner Rob Domjen planned to open a gourmet sandwich eatery named Freddy’s Chicken Shop.

Local surfer Pal Surman and Pavilion Executive Chef Guilluame Zika have also come on board.

Freddy's Chicken Shop at Burleigh. Picture: supplied

In a post to social media, a Freddy’s spokesperson described the new venture as “reimagining the iconic Aussie milk bar of the 70s.”

The new shopfront is located at the corner of James Street and Connor Street - a stone's throw from the popular surf break.

“The days of walking barefoot to your corner store after a surf are back, serving chargrilled chickens, homemade rolls, salads, chicken burger, and shakes.”

Freddy's Chicken Shop at Burleigh pays homage to the 70s. Picture: supplied

Eager customers have headed to the store in droves since its launch at the weekend in a bid to sample some of the tasty sangas on offer.  

The new Burleigh eatery is whipping up some traditional homemade sandwiches. Picture: supplied

Among the offering include a gravy and chips handmade roll, a brie and cranberry variety as well as a traditional chicken salad roll.

“We look forward to making this space a place you can hang out with friend, meet new people and have a laugh,” the spokesman said.

The team behind Burleigh hotspot to open gourmet sandwich shop

July 30, 2021

THE team behind the iconic Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic has widened its property portfolio within the bustling area, fuelling rumours it will soon open a new venue.

While owner Ben May – whose stable includes Bali’s Mrs Sippy and Manly Wharf Hotel – is used to providing the ultimate venues for long lunches, it seems this latest project will venture into all new territory.

Freddy's Chicken Shop will open on the corner of Burleigh Head's famed James Street.

The Bulletin understands Mr May and business partner Rob Domjen recently inked a deal to open a gourmet chicken, sandwich and salad shop on the corner of James and Connor street, aptly named Freddy’s Chicken Shop.

Signage has since been splashed across the boarded up walls of the shopfront, located next to Ripcurl, as works to transform the site get underway.

Speculation was further fuelled this month when Burleigh Property Sales, the former and long-time tenant of 19 Connor St, confirmed via social media they had relocated to another shopfront only a few sites up along James St.

Burleigh Property Sales Principal Scott Boniwell held position at the site for almost 20 years, with a company spokesman labelling the recent move “emotional”.

Burleigh Property Sales was tenant of the shopfront for about 18 years.

“While it marks the start of exciting new beginnings for Burleigh Property Sales as we shift a few doors up the road in James St, we can’t forget the nearly two decades we’ve lived at this iconic location, right here, a landmark in Burleigh Heads, familiar faces meeting and greeting at the corner and never too busy for a friendly word or two,” they said.

“It’s an end of an era for sure, what a legend.”

Mr Boniwell’s son Joel confirmed he was “stepping up” in the business and taking on the role of co-principal – but shutdown claims his dad had retired.

Signage out front of Freddy's Chicken Shop advertises some upcoming roles with the business.

“We’ve been talking about it for a few years, it was really just the case of timing, with me having kids and when it was right for both of us. He’s done it for nearly 40 years.”

“He’s trained me since I was kid, I’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”

An opening date for the new chicken shop is yet to be confirmed. The Bulletin’s attempt to contact Mr May but did not hear back in time for publication.

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Originally published as Burleigh Pavilion: The team behind hotspot open Freddy’s Chicken Shop