On the corner of Dawson Street and Ballina Road, the metal fences have come down – and Zambrero has today finally opened its doors.

Since the February flood, the Mexican themed food franchise is the first to reopen in what used to be known as Lismore’s “takeaway corner”.

Zambrero state operations manager for Queensland, Aaron Stevens, has been one of the team getting the shop ready over the past few months.

Mr Stevens said one of the biggest challenges has been to rebuild the store “in a suitable fashion, so it can survive if another flood happens again”.

“We’ve used different fittings and fixtures, tiling and how the walls are built – so it’s a bit more robust,” he said.

“So, if flooding happens again, it’s almost a case of hose it out and start again.”

Mr Stevens said the new look Zambrero has the new franchise new fit out.

“It’s lighter and brighter and I really like it,” he said.

The shop will be offering its usual menu, with plenty of gluten free and vegan alternatives.

“It’s something we are well renowned for,” Mr Stevens said. “We have a nice fresh healthy menu and hopefully everyone will spend the next week here buying some.

“My favourite is the black rice beef bowl with chipotle sauce and garlic aioli,”

As far as new products goes, there’s nothing new planned on the menu – yet.

“But we will have new product launches closer to Christmas,” he said.

When the flood destroyed the building, Lismore’s Zambrero franchise owners Matt and Tony were keen to get back in to the building show and show the community they were committed to rebuilding.

Mr Stevens said Matt and Tony are invested in this community.

“They own a few other stores too and have invested a lot to reopen again,” he said.

“It’s great for Zambrero, having a franchise partner who is so passionate about coming back into the community, So, we will build it again, just a lot stronger.”

Staff

The shop has recently called out for people interested in joining the staff team.

Now, the shop will open with about half of the original staff who worked there before the floor, including the shop manager.

Mr Stevens said the owners were devastated to have staff who don’t have somewhere to work.

“They were really keen to bring the older staff back in as soon as they could,” he said.

“The old manager is back on board and we have half the previous staff back. It’s a good opportunity for new people too."

The shop will be open from 9.30am to 9pm, seven days a week. It is located on the corner of Ballina Road and Dawson Street.