Popular Mexican fast-food chain Guzman y Gomez is setting its sights on the northern Geelong suburb of Corio as part of a significant nationwide expansion drive. The company has identified a key site for its next Victorian restaurant, aiming to bring its signature burritos and tacos to a new community.
Corio Centre Emerges as Target Location
According to recent reports, Guzman y Gomez (GYG) is in advanced negotiations to secure a tenancy at the Corio Shopping Centre. The proposed location is situated near the centre's main entrance, close to other food outlets. This strategic move would mark GYG's first foray into the northern Geelong region, expanding its footprint beyond its existing Geelong restaurant on Moorabool Street.
The chain's expansion plans are aggressive and well-funded. Guzman y Gomez recently announced a staggering $242.5 million capital raise to accelerate its growth across Australia. The company's ambitious goal is to reach a network of 1,000 restaurants throughout the country. The potential Corio outlet is a direct result of this accelerated growth strategy.
Local Reactions and Economic Impact
News of the potential new restaurant has generated a buzz among Corio residents and local business operators. Many see it as a positive development that will bring more dining options and potential employment opportunities to the area. A new GYG store is expected to create numerous local jobs, from kitchen staff and servers to management positions.
The Corio Shopping Centre manager has expressed optimism about the negotiations, highlighting that attracting a brand of GYG's calibre aligns with the centre's vision to diversify its offerings and enhance the shopping experience for visitors. This follows a trend of major food chains recognising the value and growth potential in suburban and regional hubs like Corio.
A Nationwide Burrito Boom
The push into Corio is not an isolated event. Guzman y Gomez is actively scouting and securing sites across multiple states. The company's expansion blueprint includes a strong focus on Victoria, alongside Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. This nationwide rollout is backed by the substantial capital injection from investors who are confident in the brand's performance and the growing Australian appetite for Mexican cuisine.
The company's CEO has publicly stated that the goal of 1,000 restaurants is a realistic target, driven by strong consumer demand and a successful business model. Each new store opening contributes to the brand's increasing market share in the competitive Australian fast-food landscape, which has traditionally been dominated by burger and chicken chains.
If the Corio plans proceed smoothly, local food enthusiasts could be enjoying GYG's much-loved menu items by late 2024 or early 2025. The finalisation of the lease and the subsequent fit-out and hiring processes will determine the exact opening timeline. For now, residents of northern Geelong have a fresh and flavourful reason to anticipate developments at their local shopping centre.
