Chico’s Mexican trades Kirribilli for a bigger Neutral Bay home.
One of Kirribilli’s most popular restaurants – Chico’s – is moving to bigger premises in Neutral Bay. Image: Mosman Collective.
By ANNA USHER
The cult taco bar Chico’s is packing up its Kirribilli digs and heading to Neutral Bay, with a new restaurant set to open on Rangers Rd by early October.
The Mexican bar and grill will take over the old Yok Thai site, directly across from Woolworths.
Chico’s will move into the former Yok Thai space on Rangers Rd, Neutral Bay. Image: Ray White Commercial.
It is a homecoming of sorts. Chico’s is owned by Ahmed Kalil and his brother Sharif, the pair behind WingMill, the American wings joint that has been a Neutral Bay fixture for eight years.
“I love Neutral Bay. I love the locals,” Ahmed told Mosman Collective. “We have been here for eight years with WingMill so it just feels right to have Chico’s on the other side of Military Rd.”
Chico’s opened in Kirribilli in 2022 and quickly built a following for its Mexican cooking, from lamb birria tacos to a robust margarita list.
Ahmed is well known in the area, thanks to the success of his American themed hot spot, Wing Mill.
WingMill is famous for its Smash Burgers and Chicken Wings.
The Kirribilli lease is up soon, and the new site will open in late September or early October.
“After the success of WingMill it was a no-brainer to move our Mexican offering to the suburb,” Ahmed said.
Think Tulum, with room for the dog
Sydney design studio Kreativ is handling the new fit-out, and Ahmed is promising a very different look for the Rangers Rd site.
A sneak peek at the bar area planned for Chico’s Neutral Bay. Image: Kreativ
“We are going to fit out the site with a boho vibe. Think Tulum in Mexico,” he said. “It is going to be very airy, lots of natural materials, windows open, light flooding in.”
There will be seating for 75 inside. Outdoor seating is still to be locked in and will need North Sydney Council approval.
“Outdoor seating will also be happening because we want locals to be able to enjoy dinner with their dogs,” Ahmed said.
A new menu, and a reader deal
The move comes with a refreshed offering, with new additions to the Chico’s menu plus a full drinks list built around margaritas, mezcals, Mexican beers and soft drinks.
California-born Ahmed moved to Australia in 2009 and runs the business with Sharif, who commands the kitchen. He credits the lower north shore for backing the pair through the tough years.
Chico’s Neutral Bay will open in early October.
“We just have a great community. People love our story,” he said. “I am very hands on. I am in the restaurant every day.”
And there is a sweetener coming for locals.
“Cannot wait to open the new restaurant,” Ahmed said. “We will have some special deals for Mosman Collective readers, so stay tuned.”
Chico’s Neutral Bay is expected to open on Rangers Rd in late September or early October. We will confirm the opening date closer to the day.
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