What's New in Wallsend?

WORDS LIANE MORRIS

The beautiful historic township of Wallsend continues to grow and prosper, with several new businesses popping up this year. Local business is supported by the Wallsend Town Business Association (WTBA), which aims to promote the development, beautification, and advancement of local businesses within the area. Wallsend enjoys a robust local community that celebrates its diversity and multiculturalism.

Frank Fabrizio, the owner of Papa Franco, which opened in December 2022, chose Wallsend as the first in a series of Italian family restaurants because it has the ‘right’ demographic.

“Papa Franco is a family restaurant. The recipes are our family favourites,” said Frank.

“They are Italian with an Australian twist – just like me! We chose Wallsend as the first restaurant to open because we knew that many young families living out that way would appreciate our warm and welcoming vibe. We like to think of ourselves as the place where family and food come together.”

Serving pizza, pasta, parmi and ribs, the crowds have been pouring into Papa Franco since they opened, and it’s been popular for family celebrations with all the generations. With another restaurant recently opening in Nelson Bay and plans to open more in Hamilton, Kotara and Wyong, Papa Franco has big plans and is in Wallsend to stay. Located at 73 Nelson Street.

Opening in February earlier this year, Supreme Brew and Bake is another new food outlet in town. Serving a delicious range of brews and baked goods such as muffins, pies, sausage rolls, pasties, wraps, freshly made sandwiches and a vast range of lunch and breakfast specials, you can find them next to OPSM in Wallsend Village.

If tea is your thing, you can’t go past the colourful and creative Sharetea, which has over 70 different drink options, including smoothies, crushes and yoghurts. Bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is a fun, scrumptious tea that can be found right next door to Kingsmen Hair, also in Wallsend Village.

There’s no need to go further afield for your next celebration, lunch or coffee catch-up with such a great variety of food and beverage options right in the heart of Wallsend.