Banjo’s Bakery to open Rockhampton store on June 19

Pastry enthusiasts have less than one week to wait for the doors to open to a popular Australian bakery in Central Queensland.

Pastry enthusiasts have less than one week to wait for the doors to open to a popular Australian bakery on Rockhampton’s south side.

Banjo’s Bakery Rockhampton co-franchisee, Tahlia Zabel, said she was excited to announce the store would officially open its doors to the public from 5am on June 19.

The store is located next to Guzman Y Gomez, which opened at the corner of Fitzroy and George Streets in May.

“Not only will Banjo’s Bakery provide the Rockhampton community with a range of delicious pies and pastries made fresh in-store daily, but our new store will also create more than 20 new job opportunities for local residents,” Ms Zabel said.

Banjo's Bakery Rockhampton co-franchisees Samantha Rayner and Tahlia Zabel. Picture: Aden Stokes

Ms Zabel said there would be a “very special grand opening event set for July 17”.

She said highlights for the grand opening included 1000 free small savouries being handed out during the day, win coffee for a year competition, doughnuts galore and the launch of three signature pies – the Chicken Parmi Pie, the Double Cheese Burger Pie, and a secret new pie.

She said they would announce a partnership with a local sports team and fundraise for the club by donating $1 off each transaction for the day.

“We can’t wait for everyone to come and try our unique blend of coffee, specially roasted just for Banjo’s to guarantee top-notch quality,” co-franchisee Sam Rayner said.

“And our legendary pies? You simply have to taste them to believe it, especially our famous Scallop pie.”

Banjo's Bakery Rockhampton is setting up to open on June 19. Picture: Aden Stokes

Ms Zabel and Ms Rayner are both from Tasmania and made their start with Banjo’s Bakery at its New Norfolk store when they were teenagers.

The women, now both in their 20s, have worked their way up to becoming co-franchisees of the new Banjo’s Bakery store in Rockhampton.

Ms Zabel said while they were “entering so much unknown, having a familiar face is great”.

“I was approached by my boss at the time (now business partner) Robbie Iles, asking if I would be interested,” Ms Zabel said.

“I must admit the thought of living and working in a place like Rockhampton sparked my interest right away.

“My partner Josh decided he would make the move with me.

“We have loved it so far and are keen to have more time once the store is open to explore Rockhampton and surrounds.

Banjo's Bakery Rockhampton co-franchisees Samantha Rayner and Tahlia Zabel. Picture: Aden Stokes

“So far the community have been great.

“I haven’t had the chance to meet masses of people yet but those I have met have been lovely and welcoming.”

Ms Rayner said initially she was a little unsure with Rockhampton being a “long way from home and family”.

“But I didn’t want it to be an opportunity that I looked back on and say I should have done that,” she said.

Ms Rayner said her advice for anyone looking to get into the industry was to “believe you can do it no matter what some people will say”.

“Like that old saying it’s a man job and use that as motivation to show that we can do it just as well if not better,” she said.

Ms Zabel said her advice for other young women would be to be “focused and true to yourself”.

“Work hard, go that extra mile for your customer boss, take pride in your work, enjoy what you do, your happiness will filter through your work,” she said.

Originally published as Banjo’s Bakery to open Rockhampton store on June 19