By Vivienne Pearson
What’s in a name? A great deal of thought, if you are the new(ish) owner of a business that has been operating under the same name for well over a quarter of a century.
‘I’ve met three past owners,’ says Jack Wright, owner of the Brunswick Fish Bar, which is set to change its name this week to Hooper’s Burgers and Fish & Chippery.
‘The menu will be the same but with more options, especially for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free,’ says Jack. Burgers will remain a focus and the great quality chips, fries, and sweet potato chips will be unchanged (fortunately for me, as ‘Jack’s chips’ are the best kid-bribery I have in my parenting toolkit).
Part of the renovations are to create space for gelati. Jack is teaming up with other longtime locals, Matt and Layla Hardy of Bernardi’s, to offer 12 flavours of their gelati. ‘It’s perfect timing for summer,’ says Jack.
The new name, Hooper’s, has been chosen in honour of Jack’s brother, Andrew Hooper, who died at age 27 from epilepsy. ‘He was a chef who loved tasty, unpretentious food,’ says Jack. The name is ideal as so many of Hooper’s ‘blended and weird’ family are involved. ‘It’s a name that will remind us that life is precious and about having good times with family and friends,’ says Robyn Wright, Jack’s mum, who now plays a key role in the business.
The Brunswick Fish Bar will re-open as Hooper’s on Friday (23 Nov) with a celebration, including free food giveaways. Call it what you will (my family will always call it Jack’s), it is a great spot for eat-in, river-picnic or take-home fish, chips and burgers.
Hooper’s Burgers and Fish & Chippery, 10 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads. 7 days, 11am–8pm. Ph: 6685 1240.
Re-opening Friday 23 November.
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