Otto’s expands its food experiences
ONE of Townsville’s favourite eateries and grocers has grown, opening up more options to expand.
The much-loved Otto’s Fresh Food Market unveiled its second store to the public on Saturday as part of its soft opening.
The new store follows the successful formula of the Warrina marketplace, allowing shoppers to stock up on fresh produce, cured meats at the deli or enjoy a coffee and pastry at the cafe.
The Precinct shop will offer more of an experience, says owner Don Peel.
“The deli is an experience and we’ve built a cheese room; it’s a secret cheese room,” he said. “To get invited in there and have a taste is an experience in itself.”
A designated restaurant specialising in Texas barbecue offerings and Spanish tapas will also soon open, complementing the new Precinct store.
Mr Peel said the new restaurant opposite the grocer would have a more “boutique” menu, with dishes set to match the 10 craft beers available on tap.
The split grocer and restaurant creates more space and a more enjoyable dining experience.
Mr Peel said the Currajong store was at capacity and he felt it was the right time to expand with the Idalia operation.
“Townsville has grown Otto’s. Without the customer base that supports us, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we do,” he said.
Mr Peel said the restaurant would complement the existing businesses in the centre.
He said planning for the new store started before the floods. Mr Peel said the sense of community in the wake of the monsoonal deluge cemented the plans to open in Idalia.
“It was a big trigger to want to get involved in the Idalia rebuild,” he said.
As part of another possible venture, Mr Peel said James Cook University had approached him following the closure
Blue cafe.
Otto’s set up its food van at the Clinical Practice Building, providing an alternative option for students.
Mr Peel said the tenancy for a permanent store was being investigated. of the Jamaica