German-themed brewhouse The Bavarian is set to open a new franchise in the Wollongong CBD, in place of the now defunct Max Brenner store.
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The site at the corner of Keira and Crown Streets is now marked "under construction", while an application for a liquor licence has been lodged with NSW Liquor and Gaming.
Planned opening hours are seven days a week - Monday to Saturday from 10am to midnight, and Sunday from 10am to 10pm. The licence application also noted entertainment would be provided.
Last November the chain opened its 26th restaurant (seating 550 guests) at Stockland Shellharbour, in The Avenue dining precinct. It included 45 full-time and casual job positions.
At the time, Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash told the Illawarra Mercury they planned to open 100 of the restaurants in the next five years - with a focus on shopping malls.
If the other Bavarian restaurants are anything to go by, Europe will be in the heart of the 'Gong with crispy pork knuckle, schnitzel, gourmet sausage.
They also have more than a dozen beers on tap including imports Lowenbrau, Paulaner and Hofbrau which are served in traditional beer steins.
On the chain's website, the restaurant is labelled a "destination for sports lovers, families and locals" with big screen television, real-time sports programming, children's meals and happy hour offers.
Executive Director of the Illawarra Business Chamber Adam Zarth welcomed the new addition to the city's nightlife.
"This particular tenancy is in a highly prominent position ... and so it has been concerning to see it remain vacant for as long as it has," Mr Zarth said.
"The Bavarian will be a welcome addition to Wollongong's growing and diverse bar and restaurant scene. The investment is a vote of confidence in our economy.
"I hope [owners of Wollongong Central, GPT Group] will work to ensure The Bavarian enjoys a long and successful tenancy."
The Bavarian is part of the Rockpool Dining Group, which run high profile restaurant brands such as Rockpool Bar and Grill, Spice Temple, The Argylge and Burger Project.
Rockpool Dining Group was contacted for comment without reply.
An opening date is yet to be confirmed. The liquor licence application is on exhibition until March 29, with NSW Liquor and Gaming taking submissions in that time.