Guzman y Gomez drive-thru, Banjo’s Bakery new Rockhampton site approved

More than 100 jobs are expected to be created after Rockhampton Regional Council gave the green light to a new fast-food precinct, with mexican and bakery offerings from 4am.

Guzman y Gomez drive-thru in Brisbane.

Construction on a new fast food precinct at the former Project Mex site on the corner of George and Fitzroy streets will start in the next few months, following council approval of the development in April.

The Rockhampton development, slated to create more than 100 jobs, will have two food and drink outlets, Mexican chain Guzman y Gomez and Tasmanian-founded Banjo’s Bakery Cafe, both of which will be drive-throughs, built across the entire block from George St to Campbell Ln.

The approval conditions include an entry and exit access point on George Street and exit only/no entry on Campbell Lane, with no access from Fitzroy St.

The former Project Mex site in Rockhampton where two fast food franchises are proposed to be built.

Both drive-throughs will be dual lane and there is a combined 23 car parks in the plans.

The GYG tenancy is limited to operate from 5am to 10pm, with the restaurant planning to serve breakfast, which isn’t currently offered at the north Rockhampton restaurant, as well as lunch and dinner.

The breakfast menu includes breakfast burritos and tacos, guacamole on toast, quesadillas and barista made coffee.

The new Rockhampton GYG is among 20 outlets being rolled out across Queensland in the next 18 months, including another drive-through in Mackay.

Stockland Rockhampton Guzman y Gomez Owners Shar and Warwick Jones at opening in 2016. Photo Allan Reinikka / The Morning Bulletin

The town’s first GYG, at Stockland Rockhampton, opened in 2016.

Meanwhile the second food outlet planned for the site, Banjo’s Bakery Cafe, is limited to the hours of 4am to 8pm.

A Banjo's bakery cafe drive-thru built in 2019 by Hutchinsons Builders at Darra, Brisbane.

Rockhampton Regional Council Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said it was exciting to see new developments in the Rockhampton region.

“New developments contribute to the growth of our region and create jobs for our community,” Mr Mathers said.

“Not only are these developments filling vacated space in key areas, they are creating new options for people to enjoy.

“Businesses investing in the Rockhampton region drives economic value and reinvigorates our community.”

Approved elevations for tenancy two, which will be Banjo's Bakery Cafe.

Approved plans for the Guzman y Gomez drive-thru by Verve Building Design.

A spokesperson for GYG said the construction was expected to commence in the next couple of months, with an opening in early 2024.

The new store is expected to create an additional 100 jobs.

“We are excited to be opening our first drive-thru in the Rockhampton region,” their statement said.

“The new Guzman y Gomez in Rockhampton will feature a dual lane drive-through giving the local community more convenience of getting GYG’s 100 per cent clean and freshly prepared menu the way they want whether pick up, drive thru or dine in.

“GYG is on a mission to reinvent fast food because we genuinely believe that fast food doesn’t have to mean bad food.

“We want to show the locals that it’s possible to serve good food, fast, without compromising on quality or nutrition.”

The two properties comprising the development sold in 2021 to a company owned by two Rockhampton businessmen, for a combined $2.62 million.

Originally published as Guzman y Gomez drive-thru, Banjo’s Bakery new Rockhampton site approved