Looking to buy a food franchise but want to invest in a small scale business? Franchise chicken chain Oporto is unveiling its first ‘pequino’ (Portuguese for small) format store this week.

This is the first of many to be rolled out in inner city locations across the country, and marks a big step forward in the modernisation of the brand.

Craig Tozer, Oporto CEO said, “This is an extremely exciting time for Oporto. This design is fresh and modern, and is exactly where we need to be. To bring the kitchen front and centre for customers to view was critical in the design as we want to highlight our use of fresh produce and cooking methods.

“This new small format paves the way for future restaurants to open in inner city locations where real estate is limited. Exciting times indeed.”

The restaurant in Sydney, Oporto Surry Hills, is just 50sqm and laid out using environmentally friendly materials. Working together the construction and operations teams have integrated the fully functioning open kitchen with grill, oven and fryers along with refrigeration, counter space and seating for 10 people.

Anthony Shina, general manager design and construction for Oporto, was integral in bringing the project to life.

“Working with such a small space had its challenges however with an amazing team we have achieved all we set out to do. Fresh modern design with an open kitchen to showcase freshly prepared food. The result is a distinctive shift from the traditional QSR fast food design to a more modern, warm, premium and urban environment.”

The menu has also been streamlined, focused on what Oporto is best-known for including flame grilled Portugeuse chickens and the famous Bondi Burger.

• Find out more about buying an Oporto franchise.