Oporto, the brand known for its chicken and burgers, is about to enter a new era, with the company poised to enter the lucrative fast food market in China (estimated to be worth more than $68 billion this year).

Oporto is preparing to take the taste of Bondi to the people of Xiamen (population: 1.25 million) with the opening of its first Chinese franchise in the city in March. The Xiamen store is the first of many planned openings across China over coming years and will take place just after the Chinese New Year.

“We’re confident Oporto will be a hit with Chinese customers, who are very quick to adopt new Western-style foods and concepts. Our unique flavour profile, which has been the cornerstone of our success to date, will keep them coming back for more,” says Oporto CEO Jeff Fisher.

He points to the success of KFC in China as a model for growth. Over the last 10 years, KFC has opened more than 2000 stores in China, with another 400 in the pipeline.