Two balaclava-clad men confronted the Warrnambool manager of Hungry Jack's after he arrived at 4.20am to prepare for the store's opening yesterday.

Detective Senior Constable Gary Greene said the restaurant manager, in his 50s, was met at the front door by two balaclava-clad bandits wielding knives.

"They forced him inside and he was forced to open up a safe. An undisclosed amount of money was stolen," Detective Senior Constable Greene said.

“The restaurant manager was then struck to the head before the two armed men fled the store on foot.

Both offenders were wearing balaclavas and hoodies.’’

Detective Senior Constable Greene said the restaurant manager was taken by ambulance to hospital with swelling to his head and he was being held for observation.

He was being treated in hospital yesterday and was reported to be in a stable condition.

“We will be relying on public assistance and information to help identify the offenders,’’ he said.

Warrnambool Hungry Jack’s manager Adela Condon said the restaurant was closed yesterday morning.

She said a district manager from Melbourne would decide when the store would re-opened.

“The manager was whacked over the head. I think he’ll be all right but it’s a terrible thing,’’ she said.

A Hungry Jack’s chain Melbourne spokesman said Hungry Jack’s system-wide security procedures resulted in a minuscule amount of money being stolen.