Leafy suburb erupts over 24/7 Mexican chain
A popular Mexican chain restaurant has divided the community in the leafy Sydney suburb of Mosman with a proposal for a 24-hour store.
Guzman Y Gomez (GYG) earlier this month lodged a development application with Mosman Council, in an attempt to establish a 24/7 restaurant on Sydney's lower north shore.
The chain is seeking to establish a restaurant on bustling Military Road, between a pharmacy and a Lululemon store.
The surrounding property owners have been notified and all community members are being encouraged to make submissions by January 19.
The site sits within a Heritage Conservation Area and some community members have voiced their concerns about the proposed alterations to the shopfront.
A number of locals have written to council to share their opposition.
“As a Mosman resident I strongly oppose 24 hour trading of any sort in Mosman village - 6am to 10pm is appropriate but 24 hour is not - it is inappropriate for our community,” said a submissions from one community member.
Another stated: “60% of reviews on TripAdvisor rate this company as 2-star or less out of 5. There must be a reason”.
In a statement, GYG said they are on a mission to reinvent fast food and to provide a fast food option that is good when on the go.
“We’re excited to show local community that it’s possible to serve good food, fast, without compromising on quality or nutrition,” said a GYG spokesperson.
“There’s nothing team GYG love doing more than opening new restaurants. We recently submitted a DA (development application) for a new restaurant in Mosman with plans to open in Mid 2024,” they said.
The spokesperson also said the company is “incredibly excited to open in Mosman”.
“We know a lot of our guests are going to our North Sydney, Manly and Crows Nest restaurants for their GYG fix so now we’re going to be even more convenient for them”.
Not all are against the proposed vibrant yellow and black store, with one person commenting: “Can’t wait until it opens”.
“Good! If you want a late night bite in Mosman...about time someone filled in this niche in the market, but no doubt here come the fun police,” one person said.
“Who doesn’t want 24-hour burritos.”
Others expressed concerns about whether the restaurant would be able to survive using a 24-hour business model.
“I love GYG but don't understand how it will survive 24/7. Why not till midnight? How many people will be buying at 3am?”.
NCA NewsWire has approached Mosman Council for comment.
