Bayside is “natural fit’ for Bubba

An iconic US restaurant - inspired by an Oscar-winning movie - will open tomorrow in one of Moreton Bay’s neighbouring suburbs.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, which started in 1996, is launching its first Australian outlet in the historic former post office in Sandgate.

An invitation-only event on Friday will be followed by normal trading from 11am Saturday, with 60 new front of house and kitchen jobs.

The Bubba Gump restaurant chain is based on Benjamin “Bubba” Buford Blue, who befriends Tom Hank’s character Forrest Gump in the Vietnam War.

Bubba convinces Forrest to go into shrimping after the war but is killed in action. However, Forrest honours the pledge to his friend.

The seafood restaurant chain began in California and now has 38 outlets across the US, Asia and from this weekend Australia.

A spokesperson said Sandgate’s new Bubba Gump will feature many of the chain’s favourite dishes with all seafood sourced from Australia.

“Shrimp is at the heart of everything we do and guests will find plenty to explore across the menu,” the spokesperson said.

“Sandgate's seaside village character is a natural fit for the Bubba Gump brand.

“When we saw the old post office building, it suited the brand's requirements perfectly, and we knew it was the right home for our first Australian restaurant.

“As a historical building, there were some restrictions on what we could do, but honestly we didn't want to change much.

“The building itself suited the brand perfectly. Inside, everything is completely new and fully refurbished.”

Bubba Gump Shrimping Co will be open 11am-10pm seven days a week at 94 Rainbow St, Sandgate.

For more information and bookings visit www.bubbagump.au