Australian flame-grilled chicken franchise, Oporto has unveiled a new location in Colombo, marking the network’s first Sri Lankan outlet.

Located at the Food Studio’s Atrium, Colombo City’s premier culinary house, the latest Oporto franchise offers Sri Lankan diners exclusive seating and the brand’s signature ambiance in an otherwise shared seating arrangement.

It’s the second opening in the Asian region for Oporto in the last seven months, following the brand’s initial venture into the market with a franchise outlet in Singapore.

The arrival of Oporto to Sri Lanka opens the door for other Australian franchise brands to initiate expansion into the region’s notoriously competitive fast food market.

Australian business Ataraxia Capital Partners is the master franchisor behind the latest expansion and was inspired to pioneer the move upon identifying a cultural alignment in offering.

“Sri Lankans are very excited by the entry of Oporto into the market, it really celebrates our love of chicken, Portuguese heritage and of course chilli.  We have always loved the Oporto brand and are really pleased to add this to the existing Ataraxia Foods portfolio,” said Ataraxia partner/co-founder, Sharad Sri in a statement.

Speaking with Colombopage.com, Oporto CEO Craig Tozer said the brand was confident that local patrons would respond well to Oporto’s arrival, presenting the opportunity for further growth.

“We are honoured to have been able to bring our brand to a country which will undoubtedly appreciate the culinary experience we offer,” Tozer said.

It’s been a big week for Tozer, following the announcement that his investment company, Tozer & Co had saved struggling brand Max Brenner Australia from the brink of collapse with a last-minute acquisition.

Oporto has a network of over 160 outlets across Australia and now internationally.