Detroit-style devotees, rejoice – Franc Jrs has opened in Palm Beach
When it comes to pizza on the Gold Coast, few names spark the kind of devotion Franc Jrs does. Its Detroit-style pies strike that elusive balance – thick but airy, delightfully crisp around the edges and generously topped without tipping into excess. They’ve inspired queues, pizza-box waiting lists and a fiercely loyal following. Now, Franc Jrs has officially landed in Palm Beach.
When Tony and Claudia Pattinson opened Franc Jrs as the more casual sibling to their long-running Coolangatta restaurant Francie’s, they kept the brief refreshingly simple – great pizza, cold beers and a room full of people having a good time. It struck a chord almost immediately and queues became the norm as pizza lovers, or pies as they’re called here, couldn’t get enough. After repeated (and constant) requests, they added a second outpost at Nobby Beach, which followed a similar format. Just as it appeared to be smooth sailing, a fire forced the closure of the Coolangatta venue.
To keep the pies coming, the crew have been operating a Franc Jrs pop-up out of the former Cross Eyed Mary’s space, which was always intended as a temporary situation while they searched for a permanent home. But as the team recently shared on social media, finding the right space proved far more difficult than expected. Every lead either hit a dead end or didn’t feel like the kind of venue they wanted to build for the long haul. Thankfully, an opportunity presented itself.
Taking over the former Cadillac Supper Club site in Palm Beach, the new Franc Jrs feels immediately at home. If you’ve visited the Nobby Beach location, you’ll recognise the mood – checkerboard floors, rich timber panelling, intimate booths, stained-glass pendant lights and candlelight. And although the doors have literally just opened, there’s a sense of familiarity here, like it’s been there for years.
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The menu hasn’t strayed from the formula that earned Franc Jrs its cult status. Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas remain the headline act, with crisp caramelised edges, pillowy bases and toppings piled generously on top. Alongside them are the 16-inch Gold Standard pies, including the classic Cheese Pie and Vodka Pie, plus signature classics like the Homecoming Queen, Sage Against the Machine and vegetarian favourite Whiteboy Rick.
There’s plenty to keep the table busy before the pizzas arrive. Meatballs and chorizo with asparagus lead the starters, while a smashed cucumber salad and pickled grape salad bring some welcome freshness to balance the impending carbs.
For anyone who has missed squeezing into a Franc Jrs booth or scribbling your name on the pizza box, Palm Beach delivers exactly what you’d hoped for – the same pizzas, the same atmosphere and another neighbourhood to call home. Oh, and just a heads up, you can even book a table.
Head to The Directory for opening times.
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