Feeling nostalgic for the classic Milkbar, stocked with UFO lollies, Street Paddle-pops and arcade machines, childhood best friends Frankie Dicerto and George Magnisalis decided to bring back the 90s corner store for teens, school kids and families in Adelaide’s West.
Frankie, behind panini shop and recording studio Aye Frank, says Frank Junior is the little brother in Flinders Park, with coffee, panini and a pinball machine!
“I just put a deposit down on a pinball machine,” Frankie said.
Frank Junior is a dream project for Frankie and George, who have been friends since school and been talking about their own shop for years.
“I have to say, when I opened Aye Frank with another one of high school mates Matthew Laurito, George was quick to convince me it was time to chase our dream,” Frankie said.
The new space will offer 20-30 seats and offer the whole menu for takeaway, all a short walk from Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth College.
“We saw the location, with the schools and government buildings near by, and knew exactly what the space could become,” Frankie said.
“There was a corner store at the end of my street in West Croydon, actually it was just someone’s house that they opened it up, where you could get liquorice, UFOs lollies, sherbert and all kinds of things like that.”
Along with classic milkbar snacks and lollies, Frank Junior’s menu will differ from Aye Frank, switching up the sandwich combos, so be sure to try them all.
For example, Frankie says the Porchetta at Aye Frankie is in a traditional style with the salsa verde and roast capsicum and provolone. Whereas the one at Frank Junior, will have Porchetta, Burrata, Truffle, “for a real deep and rich twist on the flavours”.
“You can get a gourmet hot dog as well as other good quality grab and go option,” Frankie added.
Picture spiders, snacks and a classic range of corner store lollies, with a streets ice cream freezer just in time for the summer.
“I want to give the kids in Flinders Park a place to play, hang out and meet, while the parents can come in for their morning coffee before school,” Frankie said.
“I feel like we’ve lost that with the big chains, I want this generation to experience what the generation before did.
“Like when I was a kid, I’d go to Jack’s Challa Fish and Chip Shop, and I’d jump on the pinball machine. If I was on a roll, even if she’s got the food, I was like, ‘I don’t want to leave!’”
Travel back to a simpler time at Frank Junior milk-bar this summer, due to open late November.
In the meantime, get a taste for the delicious offerings at Aye Frank, open 7 days at 1/254 Grange Road, Flinders Park.
Frank Junior
When: Opening late November
Where: 64c Holbrooks Road, Flinders Park, SA 5025
For more information, click here.
