The Adison Group has acquired sole ownership of Oporto New Zealand, a burgeoning fast food company.
Chief Executive Bhushan Arolkar and said Director Jasmine Arolkar said they took over the Australian brand to provide healthier fast food options to New Zealanders.
They have been managing the company for the past three years.
“We wanted to be a part of changing the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) playing field in New Zealand by providing a healthier alternative, specalising in an entire menu of chicken burgers and products that are grilled not fried. Our products are prepared with fresh ingredients and not from frozen packets,” they said.
The brand began with one store in 2001 and has grown to establish its presence in ten locations, including one each in Tauranga and Palmerston North.
The tenth store opened on Queen Street on October 20.
Artika and Ravi Reddy, who operated an Indian Restaurant in Parnell earlier, are the sub-franchisees of the Queen Street Store along with their cousin Mallikarjun Eppanapally.
Ms Reddy said the new store came as an exciting opportunity.
“We look forward to serving customers quality food with quality service,” she said.
Mr Arolkar said while the prime location will cater to people who want fresh and quality fast food, its opening coincided with the acquisition of the franchise.
“This will also see the expanding QSR take advantage of further growth opportunities and provide greater stability for the Company in its pursuit to attract potential franchisees,” he said.
Ms Arolkar said New Zealanders deserved healthier and tastier fast food option.
“It struck us that New Zealand had a limited offering of fast foods, all typically low in nutrition and high in trans or saturated fats because they were breaded or fried,” she said.
According to Mr Arolkar, Oporto is Australia’s fastest growing fast food company, known for its fresh, grilled chicken ‘Bondi Burger.’
“We hope to accelerate expansion in New Zealand,” he said.
Antonio Cerqueira, an Australian of Portuguese descent established the Portuguese-style chicken restaurant in 1986 to engage and entice discerning diners.
The franchise operation today accounts for 100 stores in Australia.
Mr Arolkar said QSRs constantly faced the challenge of coping with customer orders and delivering them in the quickest possible time, without compromising quality.
“Brand image and quality must precede expansion. We are considering a number of locations in major cities to bring the unique taste and service to New Zealanders.
“Oporto is a brand that prides itself of quality food and genuinely friendly staff,” he said.
