GYG founder reveals where Mackay store could be and who could run it

The enigmatic founder of the GYG empire has dished the details on where the Mackay restaurant could be and what he’s looking for in a franchisee.

Guzman y Gomez founder Steven Marks dishes up the details on the new Mackay store and what he is looking for in the successful franchisee. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The man who brought Guzman y Gomez to Aussie shores will choose between two sites in Mackay for the next restaurant – either northside or in the city.

But wherever he chooses, it has to meet what he terms “very needy” requirements.

The enigmatic former New Yorker whose Mexican fast food franchise is taking regional Queensland by storm is adamant the location must deliver the best.

In Mackay, he has plans for a double drive-through GYG restaurant with inside seating for 60 people.

Mr Marks believes his team of real estate agents who scope out prime sites for his outlets has narrowed the options down to just two.

“We want to be where it is so easy to access – I’m slightly needy like that,” the GYG CEO said.

The Mackay GYG store will be a drive-through with dual-lane service, as well as a restaurant able to seat 60 people.

Four potential sites were initially identified but two had since fallen through, and Mr Marks remained coy about the exact location of either.

Clues as to where, though, are at a retail precinct on the north side of the Pioneer River, or somewhere off the main street leading in to Mackay.

Mr Marks, who flies in to Mackay on Wednesday, said he was confident of finding the right place for the latest GYG which has opened for franchisees to join the growing empire.

“We need a great franchise,” he said.

Related: New player with Mexican flair enters Mackay’s dining scene

“A lot of people want to open a GYG but we want to find a local, someone who loves people, loves food, is a great leader, likes to work hard.”

Mr Marks said GYG had fielded strong interest from around Australia for the Mackay and other regional outlets, but he wanted someone local to the region to come forward and join what he called the “GYG family”.

Mexican restaurant Guzman y Gomez is coming to Mackay. The rapidly growing fast food company serves made-to-order Mexican food using fresh produce and authentic ingredients. Picture: Supplied

“We have people that really want to own a GYG and we have the most beautiful franchisees,” he said.

“It’s the GYG family and we have people who want to relocate but I want to get someone who is local, very involved in community sports.

“But all I care is that they are an amazing person and if I can find an amazing local operator and they’re proud of GYG and the community they grew up … I want to find talented people.”

It is that local knowledge that has helped the chain thrive, first dipping the proverbial toe into regional areas in Bundaberg before demand exploded.

Those tingling tastebuds will be sated soon enough when GYG opens in Mackay in 2022.

GYG now has stores in Townsville, Rockhampton, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Brisbane and Toowoomba.

A second store is expected to open in Townsville, and franchise opportunities have also opened in Hervey Bay and Cairns, as well as Port Macquarie and Tamworth.

Mr Marks said Mackay was on track to open by March 2022.

His tour of the sugar city will give a glimpse into what is on offer, he said, and he planned to “try everything”.

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“I can’t wait to eat out and see everything,” he said.

“The first regional (store) we did outside Brisbane was Bundaberg about three or four years ago and people were just starting to get to know GYG.

“I don’t want to rush, I want to make sure it is perfect.

“We won’t shut restaurants, we open them.”

Interested potential franchisees can find out more here.

Originally published as GYG founder reveals where Mackay store could be and who could run it