GETTING THE MEX RIGHT
HOSPITALITY giant Rockpool Dining Group will bring its El Camino Cantina brand to the Gold Coast when it opens its latest eatery at Robina on July 22.
The Tex-Mex specialist, which has a cult following in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, originally slated an April launch but Rockpool chief executive Thomas Pash said the pandemic put plans on hold.
He said the company’s faith in the region was behind a decision to forge ahead at a time many counterparts were experiencing cold feet.
“I believe diners are well and truly ready for something new and exciting after the uncertainty and somewhat repetitive nature of the past few months,” he said.
“Several restaurateurs who had planned to open new venues have since abandoned those plans entirely or are postponing them until (they) have a clearer picture of what the future holds.
“We are fully committed to the Gold Coast. We already have a presence here with The Bavarian restaurants at Broadbeach, Coomera and Robina, and the locals have always been good to us.
“We have established a loyal following and believe the Gold Coast is a solid market for the El Camino brand, which is fun, laid-back and doesn’t take itself too seriously – a bit like the Coast itself.”
Mr Pash said Queensland’s eased dining restrictions and July 10 border opening boded well for business.
“The region is certain to benefit from a boost in Queenslanders exploring their own backyard and from interstate visitors while international travel is mostly on hold,” he said.
Mr Pash said the new venue, part of Robina Town Centre’s Promenade waterfront dining strip, would feature a large alfresco area strung with festoon lighting and the chain’s signature bright decor, loud music and feel-good flavour.
“We’re famous for our margaritas, which are served frozen and on the rocks and in some amazing flavours,” he said. “They will go down really well on the Gold Coast, I’m sure.
“There are some standard offerings across the brand that have become signature traits that we simply have to include at our Gold Coast offshoot, including complimentary, bottomless tortilla chips and salsas for every diner, free sombreros, Taco Tuesdays when we have $2 tacos all day, and Wing Wednesdays when our addictive buffalo wings are 10 cents each with a drink purchase.”
Rockpool Dining Group was forced to close 80 restaurants Australia-wide when restrictions first bit in March, including The Bavarian chain with its existing Gold Coast outlets.
“The Bavarian Robina is reopening on Thursday, July 9, and we’re thrilled to be bringing that team back to work,” Mr Pash said.