
Welcome to Crumb Wire‘s weekly round-up. Here, we’ll reshare the week’s hottest food and drink stories, launches and features.
ICYMI: Shake Shack to make Aussie debut
In case you missed it: Iconic American burger chain Shake Shack is set to make its Australian debut at the 2026 Australian Open. Appearing as a pop-up stall from January 12 to February 1, the brand’s first foray into the Australian market acts as a test run. A positive response from locals could pave the way for more permanent restaurants in the future.
Are they wings or ribs? Hungry Jack’s brings back chicken ribs in 2026
Hungry Jack’s is bringing back the controversial chicken rib debate in 2026 with the launch of a new menu item: Saucy Ribs. The fast-food chain has reintroduced the format under the name Saucy Ribs, capitalising on the ongoing confusion surrounding what a chicken rib actually is.
El Jannah is giving out backyard pools with their new $45 chicken meal
El Jannah has launched a short-term summer promotion offering customers the chance to receive a backyard pool with the purchase of a new meal deal. The brand says the campaign is aimed at encouraging at-home summer gatherings, drawing on the role of food and shared meals in Lebanese culture.
Grill’d confirms return of viral Rais’n Grill’d sauce for limited time
Grill’d has confirmed the return of its Rais’n Grill’d sauce following strong demand during its initial release late last year. Available again for a limited time, the sauce previously sold out in under two weeks after gaining traction across social platforms.
Krispy Kreme rolls out new Matcha Moment collection
Krispy Kreme has announced the launch of its first Matcha Moment collection in Australia, marking the brand’s entry into the growing #matchaholic trend. Available for a limited time, the Matcha Moment range includes two doughnuts and three matcha-based drinks.
Allen’s launches new Sour Mix bag across major retailers
Nestlé confectionery brand Allen’s has stepped into its #SourCandyChallenge era with the launch of the new Sour Mix bag – a range focused solely on sour flavours.
Forage and Feast 2026 to showcase regional food and wine across Ararat
Ararat Rural City Council is calling on residents and visitors to support Forage and Feast 2026. The month-long food and drink festival is designed to highlight local tourism and hospitality businesses across the Central Highlands region.
Jamie Oliver brings food and health focus to new Audible podcast
A new Jamie Oliver podcast exploring the relationship between food and health launched January 8, via Audible. Titled Reset Your Health with Jamie Oliver, the six-part series is created and hosted by Oliver and centres on practical conversations around wellbeing, with each episode focusing on a specific health topic.
New breakfast menu rolls out at Coogee Bay Hotel
Coogee Bay Hotel has launched a new breakfast menu, adding a morning offering designed to suit the area’s beachside routine.
Death & Co Melbourne launches food menu designed for bar dining
Death & Co Melbourne opened last month as the first international venue from the US cocktail bar, bringing the brand’s drinks-led approach to a two-level space on Flinders Lane. Alongside the cocktail list, the venue has introduced a food menu designed specifically for bar dining rather than formal meals.
Red Bull and Strava mark National Quitters Day with fitness challenge
Red Bull has launched a new Strava fitness challenge to coincide with National Quitters Day, offering Australians the chance to win a ticket to a HYROX event. The Red Bull Zero Excuses Strava Challenge launched on January 9 and runs for 28 days.
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