Oporto opens first door into Sri Lanka at Colombo City Centre

Friday, 19 October 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

After months of anticipation following the announcement of its arrival three months ago, much-loved Australian flame-grilled chicken franchise, Oporto, opened its doors to fans here in Sri Lanka, on Tuesday 16 October.

Located at the Food Studio’s Atrium, the innovative new dining construct of recently-opened Colombo City Centre, the Aussie brand finds itself in the company of the city’s best gastronomical offerings. Food Studio’s Atrium was designed with the intent of catering to the new generation of the culinary-inclined, and currently houses 15 outlets offering both authentic local and international fare. From Singaporean to Indian, Western to Indonesian, patrons already spoilt for choice now have yet another delicious option to choose from.

What makes the inaugural Oporto outlet stand out however, is that this will be the only restaurant with its own private dining area, breaking from the rest by offering exclusive seating and ambience to customers in an otherwise shared seating setting.

Known for its signature brand of flame-grilled chicken infused with its own unique blend of Portuguese-influenced chilli sauce, Oporto’s selection of appetisers, entrees, and desserts, are a perfect match for the Sri Lankan palette. The eatery’s trademark Bondi burger will have lips smacking, alongside mouth-watering wraps, salads, rice bowls and sides. Further, customers already familiar with the brand’s signature taste are guaranteed a 100% bona fide Oporto experience; the local culinary team having just returned from specialist training in Australia.In partnership with franchiser Ataraxia Capital Partners, Oporto’s entry into the country is only the second opening in its foray into Asia –the first being an outlet in Singapore. With a network of over 165 outlets across Australia alone, the team is certain of its success in Sri Lanka, for the quick service restaurant has yet another outlet planned for the Food Atrium of The Shangri-La’s One Mall scheduled to open in Colombo early next year.

At a fun-filled event held at the restaurant’s new location, representatives of Oporto introduced invitees, members of the press and special guests to the brand’s history, philosophy, and of course it’s mouth-watering, yet healthy menu. Also present at the event was Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Bryce Hutchesson.

Speaking at the event, Oporto CEO Craig Tozer expressed his confidence at the chain’s future in Sri Lanka:“We are honoured to have been able to bring our brand to a country which will undoubtedly appreciate the culinary experience we offer.”

Ataraxia Capital Co-founder and partner Sharad Sri said of the partnership:“We are pleased to have collaborated with Oporto as the newest addition to the Ataraxia Foods portfolio.”

Customers can find Oporto at the lower level of The Food Studio at the Colombo City Centre.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe