Frank McEncroe

Francis Gerard McEncroe (11 October 1908 – 14 March 1979) was an Australian publican, caterer, dairy farmer and food manufacturer. He is known for his invention of the Australian fast food phenomenon that became known as the Chiko Roll.

Early life and career

McEncroe was born at Castlemaine, Victoria on 11 October 1908, the second son of Victoria-born parents Pierce Francis McEncroe, a wheelwright, and his wife Sarah Ann, née Desmond. Frank attended a local primary school and acquired his secondary education at Marist Brothers College, Bendigo. He then completed an apprenticeship as a boilermaker at a foundry in Castlemaine. The result was a product which was much larger and heavier than a conventional Chinese roll, but with somewhat similar ingredients and flavour. The roll was composed of cabbage, barley, carrots, celery, condiments and meat (beef or mutton) wrapped in an egg-batter dough.

Personal life

McEncroe married Anne Doreen Nolan at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo on 20 August 1932. He was fond of fishing and shooting as a young man, and was later a keen golfer. He died of ischaemic heart disease on 14 March 1979, and was buried at Keilor cemetery, Melbourne, survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.