Chicken store to kick off new era
THE team behind the iconic Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic has widened its property portfolio within the bustling area, fuelling rumours it will soon open a new venue.
While owner Ben May – whose stable includes Bali’s Mrs Sippy and Manly Wharf Hotel – is used to providing the ultimate venues for long lunches, it seems this latest project will venture into all new territory.
The Bulletin understands Mr May and business partner Rob Domjen recently inked a deal to open a gourmet chicken, sandwich and salad shop on the corner of James and Connor streets, aptly named Freddy’s Chicken Shop.
Signage has since been splashed across the boardedup walls of the shopfront, located next to Ripcurl, as works to transform the site begin.
Speculation was further fuelled this month when Burleigh Property Sales, the former and long-time tenant of 19 Connor St, confirmed via social media they had relocated to another shopfront only a few sites up along James St.
Burleigh Property Sales principal Scott Boniwell held position at the site for almost 20 years, with a company spokesman labelling the recent move “emotional”.
“While it marks the start of exciting new beginnings for Burleigh Property Sales as we shift a few doors up the road in James St, we can’t forget the nearly two decades we’ve lived at this iconic location, right here, a landmark in Burleigh Heads, familiar faces meeting and greeting at the corner and never too busy for a friendly word or two,” they said.
“It’s an end of an era for sure, what a legend.”
Mr Boniwell’s son Joel confirmed he was “stepping up” in the business and taking on the role of co-principal – but shutdown claims his dad had retired.
“We’ve been talking about it for a few years, it was really just the case of timing, with me having kids and when it was right for both of us. He’s done it for nearly 40 years.”
“He’s trained me since I was kid, I’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”
An opening date for the new chicken shop is yet to be confirmed. The Bulletin attempted to contact Mr May but did not hear back in time for publication.