Oporto turned up the heat with a nationwide giveaway of 10,000 chickens. This meant there were 50 free chickens available at every store across the country.
By noon, 35 people were already lined up at the Shepparton store, eager to get their hands on the flame-grilled chicken.
The festive atmosphere was matched by a sea of red, green and gold, as staff had decorated the store with Portuguese flags and balloons, and even wore face paint.
“We love celebrating our heritage,” Oporto Shepparton franchisee Bishoy Soliman said.
When asked how quickly he expected to run out of the 50 free chicken meals, the answer was simple.
“Hopefully fast! We’re ready for a bit of chaos ... the good kind,” he said.
The kitchen staff wasted no time dishing up the meals.
By 12.30pm, 32 of the 50 free chickens had already been handed out — more than one chicken per minute.
Oporto partnered with long-time chicken supplier Summertime to make the promotion possible.
“They’ve supplied us with extra stock, and we’ve ordered up on lettuce, sauces and everything else,” Bishoy said.
With expectations high, the team rostered extra staff for the occasion, including one newbie starting her very first shift amid the lunchtime rush.
“She’s being thrown in the deep end today, but it’s a great experience, and we’re all pitching in,” Bishoy said.
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