Oporto, Gloria Jean’s plans for drive-thrus on George St, Rockhampton

Franchises have been advertised online for the two new drive-thrus to be built on the highway. Check them out.

Oporto and Gloria Jean's are looking to build drive-thrus on George and Cambridge Streets in Rockhampton.

Two national hospitality franchises are looking to build drive-thru outlets on Rockhampton’s busy highway strip.

Portuguese-style fast food franchise Oporto and coffee brand Gloria Jeans have published plans to build two drive-thrus on George Street, across from Browne Park stadium.

The corner block of four properties at 65A George Street and 28, 30 and 34 Cambridge Street have been listed for sale through Kas Woch Real Estate.

The 34 Cambridge Street property is owned by The Rockhampton Leagues Club and previously had a dilapidated house that was removed in 2019.

The other three properties have houses on them that would likely be removed to make way for the potential development.

Details of an Oporto drive-thru restaurant franchise for sale in the “booming regional town of Rockhampton” has been advertised online.

The “exciting opportunity” is listed for sale for $545,000.

In a statement requested by this publication, Oporto state manager for Queensland Deborah Manietta said the company was opening new stores across regional Queensland.

“We’re so excited to be bringing our delicious range of Oporto bites to so many spots in regional Queensland,” she said.

“More and more people are escaping the city, so that means more flavoursome food options and more job opportunities for regional Australians.

“With stores opening in regional hubs like Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville, and Hervey Bay, we want an enthusiastic local who knows the area to lead our regional stores.”

The Australian and New Zealand franchise company was founded in Sydney in 1986 is owned by Craveable Brand, the holding company which also owns Red Rooster.

The Rockhampton store would be the first store between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns.

There are 22 stores in Queensland, with the majority concentrated in south-east Queensland.

The menu offers flame grilled chicken, meal boxes, burgers, rappas (wraps), snacks and sides.

Gloria Jean’s has published plans to build a drive-thru and is advertising the franchise for sale for between $450,000 to $950,000.

It is understood it will be on the same George and Cambridge Street site.

There was a Gloria Jeans at Stockland Rockhampton, near Big W, however it closed suddenly in September 2022.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees is owned by multinational fast casual restaurant company Retail Food Group which also owns Brumby’s Bakeries, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Pizza Capers and Crust Pizza.

Gloria Jean’s was founded in Chicago in the United States in 1979 and now has 600-plus stores across 40 countries, including more than 170 in Australia.

No official development applications have been lodged with Rockhampton Regional Council at this stage.

Down a few blocks on George Street, signage has gone up for Guzman y Gomez and Banjo’s Bakery which is set to be built on the former Project Mex site.

The development was approved by council in April and will have an entry and exit on George St with no access from Fitzroy Street.

The GYG tenancy is limited to operate from 5am to 10pm and the Banjo’s Bakery Cafe will be from 4am to 8pm.

Originally published as Oporto, Gloria Jean’s plans for drive-thrus on George St, Rockhampton