A slice of Hollywood nostalgia is heading to Australia, and it is already dividing fans. More than three decades after Forrest Gump first hit screens, the cult-favourite restaurant inspired by the film is finally making its Australian debut. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is set to open its first local venue later this year.
First Australian Outpost
The hugely popular US chain, originally launched in California in 1996 and based on the shrimp-loving business from the Tom Hanks film, will drop anchor in Brisbane's bayside suburb of Sandgate. This marks its first-ever Australian outpost. If the hype surrounding other American imports is anything to go by, it is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about openings of the year.
Immersive Dining Experience
Bringing a full dose of nostalgia, the venue promises an immersive, themed dining experience that leans heavily into its Hollywood roots. Think ping pong tables, the iconic 'Jenny' boat, and even an official merchandise store. As fans know, no visit is complete without shouting 'Run, Forrest, run'.
The menu is set to deliver a mix of southern-style comfort food and seafood favourites, including dishes like sautéed shrimp and shrimp scampi, alongside burgers, ribs, and salads. Ingredients will be locally sourced, while drinks will span beer, wine, spirits, and a colourful cocktail list, with the option to take home the glassware as a keepsake.
Management Comments
Operations General Manager at SKJ Capital, Adam Greer, said the brand would bring something 'fun, energetic and experience-driven' to the local dining scene, positioning it as a family-friendly destination built around both food and atmosphere.
Mixed Reactions Online
While the announcement has sparked excitement, not everyone is convinced the iconic chain will translate seamlessly to the Australian market. Social media has quickly filled with mixed reactions. Some fans are thrilled to see the brand land locally after years of visiting it overseas.
'I love Bubba Gump so much, hopefully it comes to Melbourne,' one person wrote. 'OMG I love Bubba Gump – my fave so far is Times Square in NY,' another added. A third said they had visited 'about 10 times' and praised the 'decked out' atmosphere and signature desserts.
Others, however, were more sceptical, particularly about whether nostalgia alone would be enough to sustain it. 'Bubba Gump is too outdated for Australia… the food is meh,' one commenter claimed. 'Had it in LA a few years back and it was amazing, but I bet it'll be so overpriced here,' another said.
There were also questions around the Brisbane-first rollout, with some Aussies wondering why Melbourne continues to miss out on major US chain launches. 'Why do all these places open in Brisbane first and not Melbs?' one frustrated user wrote.
Nostalgia-Driven Dining
Still, for many, the appeal lies less in the food and more in the experience, something the brand has built its global reputation on. Food influencer 'nectoriouspapi' summed it up best, telling followers he had visited multiple locations in the US and loved the 'fun' atmosphere, standout seafood, and indulgent desserts, particularly the warm cookie served with ice cream.
With nostalgia-driven dining clearly having a moment, from the return of Sizzler to the buzz around Wendy's, Bubba Gump's arrival taps into a growing appetite for familiar, feel-good experiences. Whether it becomes a long-term success or simply a novelty stop remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Australians are already talking.
An official opening date for the Brisbane premises has not yet been announced.
