Hello Toowoomba, Walton Stores restaurants set record

URBAN food precinct Walton Stores has exploded onto Toowoomba's food scene, boosting the city's lane-way culture and setting new records Australia-wide.

URBAN food precinct Walton Stores has exploded onto Toowoomba's food scene, boosting the city's lane-way culture with its funky vibe.

The opening of Hello Harry, Junk and 2 Birds at Walton Stores received the biggest reception founders of the franchises had seen Australia-wide.

The Toowoomba Hello Harry store trumped the first week sales of its Melbourne store.

Asian street food sensation Junk is currently doubling the revenue of the original restaurant on the Sunshine Coast.

FOODIE HAVEN: Toowoomba residents line up to try Hello Harry, one of the exciting new restaurants to open at Walton Stores in the CBD. Picture: Bev Lacey

Co-founder Scott Hoskins said the community's reaction was beyond his wildest dreams.

"In our first full week Hello Harry sold 4000 burgers which is a new record for us across the country," he said.

"Last week Walton Stores, as a whole, fed 10,000 people; that's a lot of food, lots of beverages and no one could have predicted that.

"We have more staff with burgers coming out in less than 10 minutes now to meet the demand."

Hello Harry, Junk and 2 Birds co-founder Scott Hoskins said Toowoomba has embraced the urban food precinct. Picture: Bev Lacey

Mr Hoskin said it was humbling to be told by residents that the restaurant and precinct was what they were chasing.

"Walton Stores has got soul; a venue has got to have it and these restaurants are all about fun so it's a perfect fit," he said.

"There's a great family vibe here.

"You're not in a stuffy restaurant but still having great food."

Jamie Matthews, 19 enjoys chips from Hello Harry. Picture: Bev Lacey

The precinct, which has now been open for two weeks, strives to stay on trend with the city by hosting community events.

First up will be a screening of the NRL grand final this Sunday with competition give-aways and games.

Walton Stores first-timer Jamie Matthews was keen to try a pulled pork burger from Hello Harry yesterday.

"I'm recommending it to all of my friends," the 19-year-old said excitedly.

Eating at Junk for a second time is Rangeville family Murray and Margot Leonard with daughters Jenny and Adrienne. Picture: Bev Lacey

Rangeville couple Murray and Margot Leonard said the urban food precinct had flair yet catered to all demographics.

"It's another great step in the right direction for Toowoomba, as far as eateries and alternative types of food go," Mr Leonard said.

"We've done a lot of travel between here and Melbourne and if you would compare it, it's now coming up to a Melbourne-type feel with your lane-ways and food.

"People here are far more knowledgeable in what they want, even down to a plain coffee, people don't accept a run-of-the-mill, they want something special.

"This vibrancy is great. We're retired and weighing whether to stay in Toowoomba or live somewhere else, but we keep coming back now."

Find Walton Stores off Ruthven St next to Westpac or enter via Annand St. 

Walton Stores smashes expectations

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Originally published as Hello Toowoomba, Walton Stores restaurants set record