Australian steakhouse restaurant, Ribs and Rumps, is set to open its first Melbourne restaurant this month at Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s north.

With 11 restaurants throughout Queensland and New South Wales, Ribs and Rumps is looking south to expand its restaurant numbers as it focuses on rolling out the brand to more Australian diners.

The chain, which was acquired by The Coffee Club Group in 2011, is expected to open at Northland on March 17.

Shane Beyer, operations manager of Ribs and Rumps, said Melbourne has been on the radar for the brand for some time but was waiting to find the perfect first location.

“We are excited to be entering the Victorian market,” Beyer said.

It’s been on our radar for some time but we wanted to make sure the first Ribs and Rumps location in the state was perfect before committing to Melbourne. We think the new dining precinct at Northland Shopping Centre ticks all the right boxes.

“Ribs and Rumps is famous for our awesome ribs, aged to perfection steaks, and vibrant atmosphere. We are confident Melbourne will love what we have to offer!”

The first Victorian store will be franchised and run by Nick Kokkoris and Giovanne Cirillo.

Ribs and Rumps began in 1998 in Manly, Sydney.  The chain has 11 stores in Australia and two overseas in Kuwait and Dubai.