Strip Shack focuses on chicken strips, dips, fries and shakes, drawing on Thunderbird’s existing IP – sauces, systems, and supply chain – while operating in smaller sites without traditional kitchen infrastructure.
“We’ve been developing an evolution of Thunderbird called Strip Shack,” CEO Paul Gilchrist tells MCA, Restaurant‘s sister site.
“Post-pandemic, the cost of building new stores has gone up, and labour’s getting tighter. We wanted to create something that brings those costs down but still delivers the same great product.
“It’s like a little brother or sister to Thunderbird. We’ve de-skilled the model and pushed all the complexity into the supply chain so it can be run by just two people with a fryer.”
The first Strip Shack will open in June at Parkdean Resorts’ Sandy Bay holiday park.
Gilchrist adds that the group is in talks for further sites with several potential partner and is aiming to open between two and three locations under the brand this year.
“[It’s] a bit of a chicken and egg situation, we need to get one open and see how it performs in the real world.”
Despite the new focus, growth of the original Thunderbird concept is not being side lined with another franchise site set to open with Parkdean in July.
“We’re not parking it,” Gilchrist continues. “We’re actively looking for new high street locations, though it’s challenging.
“Everyone’s chasing the same 1,200 to 1,800sq ft second-generation units, rents are holding firm, and premiums are creeping in.”
To read the full version of this story, as published by MCA, click here.