Learn more about how Oporto is evolving with its new 'pequino' format store
QSR Media got to sit down with Vanessa Rowed, Oporto’s Head of Marketing, to talk about the brand's new 'pequino' format store, the new format designed to make the brand's signature Bondi burger more accessible through more locations across Australia.
With over 140 different outlets in Australia and New Zealand, Oporto serves 100% fresh flame-grilled, Portuguese style chicken, served with its signature Portuguese-style chilli sauce.
QSR Media: How would you describe Oporto's new format?
Vanessa Rowed: It’s a smaller format than usual, in Portuguese we call it ‘pequino’ . We designed our pequino to fit in to inner city areas and spaces – just like Surry Hills, which is a mere 50 metres squared. We believe this makes our brand and food more accessible through more locations, and to be honest we are moving with the times in this respect.
The beauty of this format too is that we have managed to open up the kitchen, this lets people view our food being prepared and cooked and they can see that it’s all made fresh to order.
QSR Media: What would surprise people about the new format?
Vanessa Rowed: The new interior design is a lot more modern and fresh. Whilst it’s small compared to what we are used to, there is still plenty of space and the store feels comfortable not crowded. This is thanks to some genius planning and designing. Everything has been carefully considered and fits into the smaller space- there are absolutely no compromises.
There has been a lot of attention to detail- especially with regards to things like artwork, décor, menu boards- even the packaging and the music has been carefully reconsidered so that it suits the new ‘pequino’ style. Aesthetically it’s a lot funkier and urban- totally in line with the inner city vibe and locations.
We are immensely proud of what we have created and cannot wait to roll out more new look smaller format stores!
QSR Media: What type of customer do you think it will attract?
Vanessa Rowed: The ‘pequino’ represents a lot of new and exciting changes yes, but it’s still the same amazing fresh Portuguese flame grilled chicken on the menu! Even from early trading we know that our existing customers love the new format, but we are hoping that customers who may have forgotten about us will be attracted back to the brand as well.
These are exciting times for Oporto: our 30th anniversary this year and a deliberate push by our brand back to our Portuguese roots. We know that Australia will love what we have in store- we’ve just turned up the ‘spice’ a few notches. Stay tuned to www.oporto.com.au for the rollout!
