George Calombaris a step closer to Parramatta opening

MasterChef judge George Calombaris is a step closer to expanding his Melbourne-based Greek food empire to Sydney.

A spokeswoman for the chef says a meeting is scheduled this week with representatives from Parramatta Council, with plans to open a branch of the Greek street food venue Jimmy Grants this year.

"George will look to open a couple in Sydney. We'll probably steer away from [places like] Bondi," she says.

Calombaris isn't the only food operator sold on Parramatta's potential. Cousins John and Sam Ayoub, owners of The Coffee Emporium chain, are bankrolling The Emporium, a new restaurant opening in Parramatta on Valentine's Day.

They've drafted former Bel Mondo chef Hassan Baalbaki, who was also in the kitchen at the US Consulate, rattling the pans for Barack Obama on his Australian visit, and former Gazebo restaurant manager Dominic Borel as its GM.

Word on the Parramatta streets is several high-profile local restaurateurs have been spotted in recent times touring potential sites in the area.