Its motto is “Goodness Greatness” and that’s exactly what new franchisees Emily O’Brien and Andrew Greentree are hoping to bring to their east end corner of Newcastle, when they open Banana Blossom Salads later this month.
Already a name synonymous with Sydney crowds for its fresh, flavoursome, nourishing menu items, the pair is hoping Novocastrians will embrace the Asian-inspired goodness too.
They are the latest custodians of the brand that was born in 2003 by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Nat Thomas – Sydneysiders who combined his food background with her Thai heritage.
In fact, Banana Blossom’s famous Triple Chilli dressing recipe dates back centuries to Nat’s great-grandmother who served the delicious spicy treat more than 100 years ago in the village of Nakhon Si Thammarat in South Thailand.
From a successful restaurant to a quick-service store located in Mona Vale, Banana Blossom has grown to eight franchises across Sydney, one in Queensland, and soon to open Newcastle and Terrigal.
If enthusiasm counts for anything, the pair behind Newcastle’s Hunter Street venture are sure to win over hungry customers.
The parents of three young girls, Emily and Andrew are leaving behind their roles in education and tree management for a whole new challenge.
A maturing of sorts, the duo say they are ready to sink their teeth into a business they believe is long-overdue in the former steel city.
Banana Blossom is a brand they both admit they are passionate about and have been since they became regular customers while working in the Northern Beaches.
They’ve not only tried most of the dishes on the menu, but both openly admit to having a favourite.
For Emily, its Tokyo Classic with chicken: green tea infused soba noodles, cucumber, cherry tomato, avocado, white sesame sweet soy dressing and chicken – the most popular choice on the menu, she admits.
For Andrew, it’s the Triple Chilli with beef – a dish he warns is not for the faint-hearted. This spicy bowl includes rice noodles, cucumber, bean sprouts, peanuts, deep-fried chilli, and spicy Thai chilli dressing tossed with beef.
It’s hard to say exactly how many items are available on the menu the pair says, as each salad can be made to order using any number of ingredients.
There is also the option to create a gluten free, vegetarian and/or vegan delight.
Banana Blossom Salads is expected to open its store at 169 Hunter Street on Saturday 5 November.
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