Roast meal franchise, Bucking Bull, is continuing its national expansion, opening two stores in New South Wales and Western Australia.

The new stores, opened at Stockland Shellharbour in NSW and Ocean Keys in Clarkson, WA, now brings the franchise’s network to more than 35 stores throughout WA, Queensland, and NSW.

Riding the ‘comfort food’ resurgence, the store openings reflect Australian’s growing appetite for traditional fare.

“There’s been a real shift in the market towards artisan foods and flavours and that’s been great for us,” said Bucking Bull executive director, Dean Vella.

The carvery brand has dominated food courts in Brisbane and Perth for nearly 15 years, but has experienced a renaissance of late, particularly in NSW and Victoria.

Bucking Bull is part of the Aktiv Brands Group. Aktiv Brands’ business portfolio also includes Skewerz Kebabz, Seven Seas Seafood Café and Primal Pantry.

The franchise opened its first store in Victoria in November 2013.