Mango Tree MD Trevor Mackenzie

Speaking exclusively to Spice, Trevor Mackenzie from Mango Tree explained his plans for expanding the global brand down under.

Following in the footsteps of Sailor’s Thai and Longrain, Mango Tree managing director Trevor Mackenzie said that he expects Sydney to embrace Mango Tree’s sophisticated offering.

Broken into three brands – the fine dining Mango Tree flagship, mid-range Mango Tree Bistro bar and casual dining concept Mango Tree café that serves Thai tapas and cocktails – Mackenzie said he will roll out the fine dining in the CBD first, and then expand the bistro brand to the suburbs.

“Mango Tree for Thai dining is the equivalent of what Mr Wong is for Chinese food,” said Mackenzie.

“It will be a hip, contemporary space serving Australian produce like Balmain bugs that has been given the Thai treatment. It’s geared toward an older market – around 35 plus –and we’re looking at sites around the CBD and Darling Harbour.”

After Sydney, Mackenzie is looking at sites on the Gold Coast and within the casino development in Cairns.

The next Mango Trees to open globally are the Washington restaurant in October and the Mumbai restaurant in December this year. These sites join Dubai, London, Tokyo and Jakarta, as well as numerous sites in Thailand.

The Sydney Mango Tree is expected to open in 12 – 18 months.