In the past eight months the owners say sales have increased 20 per cent with an emphasis on getting not only tourists through the doors but residents too.

“We’re putting it down to our hardworking team, good customer service and great food,” co-owner Rebecca Homewood said.

“We do go well over the holidays but we really want to bring the locals back who might not have been here for a long time.”

The previous owners who helped establish the chain in Nelson Bay are now in the process of winding up their company, Team Hog, with a liquidators meeting in May.

For steak lovers its business as usual albeit with a restaurant revamp on the horizon.

“We’ve got some exciting things happening in August with a pretty major renovation,” Mrs Homewood said.

“Other than a regular coat of paint this is the biggest change since it opened 20 years ago.”

Mrs Homewood and her husband Warren own the franchise with Brad Scott. Manager Jason Lawry manages a team of 40 staff who work the front and back of house.

The Easter long weekend proved especially busy.

“Good Friday is surprisingly good,” Mrs Homewood said.

“A lot of people still love their steak on Good Friday. Myself, I prefer to pick from chicken or fish on Good Friday.”