Firehouse Subs has landed in Australia, and Brisbane made sure the first store opening was loud, proud and far from sub-par. The US-born sandwich chain officially opened to the public at Westfield Mt Gravatt on July 2, with more than 100 customers queued before doors opened and a line that stretched through the food court for the rest of the day. First in line was Zillmere local Jacob Batman, who waited two and a half hours and walked away with the golden sub: a prize giving him 365 free subs, or a full year’s worth of Firehouse Subs. The second person in line also scored a win, receiving a voucher for one free sub every week for the next year. Everyone who queued on launch day was also served free fries, keeping good on the brand’s opening-day promise. Strong international opening The big launch followed the brand’s Australian soft opening on June 24, when Firehouse Subs opened its first local restaurant ahead of the public grand opening. By its second day of trade, the Mt Gravatt store had recorded one of the brand’s strongest international opening results to date, with early demand driven by organic word-of-mouth and social media interest. It is a major first step for Firehouse Subs in Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region, with the brand beginning its national rollout alongside ASX-listed master franchise partner Retail Food Group, RFG. As for what Brisbane is ordering, the Brisket & Cheddar sub led sales across the store’s first week of trade, followed by Steak & Cheese and Pastrami. On the official grand opening day, Brisket & Cheddar was again the crowd favourite. Firehouse Subs Executive Chairman of the Board Peter George said the response had surpassed every expectation and benchmark set for the brand’s Australian debut. “We knew Australians were ready for a seriously good sub, and the brand has had a loyal following here from afar for years,” George said. “What we didn’t anticipate was breaking every international benchmark in our first days of trade, on a soft opening day, before our marketing had even begun. Brisbane has sent us a very clear message about what it wants from a lunch occasion; we’re working flat out to keep up and the grand opening day proved that message loud and clear.” Lucas Alperi, Vice President, Firehouse Subs, International at Restaurant Brands International, said, “Brisbane has given Firehouse Subs an exceptional first welcome in Australia and we’re encouraged by the strong response from guests in these early days. “It reflects the appeal of our hearty, flavorful subs, our differentiated Firehouse Subs experience and the strength of our partnership with RFG. “We’re excited to build on this momentum as we continue introducing more guests to the brand and bringing Firehouse Subs to more communities over time.” The response gives Firehouse Subs a loud entry into Australia’s $1.7 billion sandwich market, with the brand offering lunch options from under $10 AUD and combo meals from under $16 AUD. More Australian locations are expected to follow as the national rollout continues. Source: alt/shift Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

Gelatissimo is bringing back the $1 treat, giving new Club Gelato members the chance to score a scoop of gelato for just one dollar. For 30 days only, the gelato brand is offering more than 200,000 scoops of premium gelato for $1 across its 61 stores nationwide. The deal is available to new Club Gelato members who sign up through the Gelatissimo app and redeem their first scoop in-store. It lands at a time when a quick treat is not feeling quite as quick on the wallet. Coffees are sitting around $6, sandwiches can easily hit $15, and even a casual sweet snack can creep into double digits. So a $1 scoop is doing a fair bit of heavy lifting in the little treat economy. The offer is part of Gelatissimo’s play into “little treat culture”, where everyday indulgences like morning coffees, bakery runs and after-dinner desserts have become small mood-lifters in otherwise expensive weeks. “Life is expensive enough without giving up the things that make you happy,” said Natalie Brennan, General Manager of Gelatissimo Australia. “We’ve seen Aussies embrace little treats as a way to brighten their day, whether that’s a coffee, a pastry or a dessert after dinner. At a time when little treats mean more than ever, we’re excited to give Australians the chance to enjoy a premium scoop of gelato for just $1. “Finding anything for $1 these days is becoming increasingly rare, so we’re excited to give Aussies a simple reason to treat themselves this winter with a premium scoop of gelato for just $1.” The timing also lines up with school holidays across much of the country and National Ice Cream Day on July 19, giving Australians a few easy excuses to head in-store for a scoop. To claim the offer, new members need to download the Club Gelato app on iOS or Android, sign up as a new member and redeem their $1 scoop voucher in-store within four weeks of signing up. The deal is available to new members only, limited to one voucher per member and cannot be used with any other offer. Additional toppings are charged at standard prices. The $1 scoop offer is available now and ends August 5. Store locations can be found via Gelatissimo’s website. Source: Two Palms Media Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Steph de Sousa is bringing her bright, no-fuss kitchen style to ALDI’s middle aisle. The social media creator and TV chef behind Steph Cooks Stuff (@Steph_Cooks_Stuff) has teamed up with ALDI for the retailer’s first cookware collaboration, with a 13-piece Special Buys range landing exclusively at ALDI and on DoorDash from July 22. The Steph Cooks Stuff x ALDI range covers cookware, silicone gadgets, kitchen textiles and de sousa’s cookbooks, with prices starting at $4.99 and every piece coming in under $49.99. The full cookware range can be picked up for under $165. Known for affordable cooking and a very colour-happy kitchen aesthetic, de Sousa has worked with ALDI on pieces designed to feel practical without looking like they belong at the back of a cupboard. The collection includes cast aluminium pots, roasters, silicone utensils, measuring sets, trivets, tea towels, an apron set and design nods to de Sousa’s signature glasses. The colour palette is not exactly shy either, with electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple running through key pieces in the range. de Sousa said, “Creating this range with ALDI has been a dream. I wanted to design pieces I reach for every day, but in colours and styles that bring a bit of joy into the kitchen. They’re not just pretty, they’re practical, hardworking and made to be used. And the best part is, each piece is available at an incredibly low ALDI price, because beautiful, quality cookware should be accessible to everyone,” said de Sousa. “My favourite products have to be the 5L One Pot ($49.99) and the One Pan Roaster ($29.99). They are made from a durable but super lightweight cast aluminium, perfect for those simple, all in one dishes. They come in three amazing colours: electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple, are dishwasher safe for super easy cleaning and they each include a bespoke recipe to help get you started! The One Pot also comes with an interchangeable flower knob for the lid which I love.” On the collection’s bold utensils and accessories, de Sousa said the personality came through in the smaller pieces too. “I had a lot of fun designing this part of the range because it’s where the personality really comes through. The spoon rest doubles as a pot vent ($4.99) and is designed in the shape of my glasses! The apron and oven glove come in a perfectly sized tote bag ($19.99), ideal for heading into ALDI to pick up your shopping essentials in style.” Belinda Grice, Group Director, Special Buys, said ALDI was excited to develop the retailer’s first cookware collaboration with de Sousa. “There’s no one brighter, bubblier or more fabulous in the kitchen than Steph de Sousa, so we couldn’t be more excited to develop this unique range that matches her flair and lives up to our promise of exceptional quality at ALDI prices. “This is our first ever cookware collaboration and who better to partner with than Steph, who just oozes ‘Good Different’. Having worked with Steph for a number of years, this range brings together our shared passion for making home cooking simple, enjoyable and accessible,” said Grice. “We know our customers are looking for quality cookware in beautiful designs at affordable price points. As a limited time Special Buy, we expect it will be a standout range our shoppers and Steph’s fans won’t want to miss.” What’s in the Steph Cooks Stuff x ALDI range? 5L One Pot, $49.99 – Cast aluminium pot with ceramic non-stick coating. Includes a bespoke recipe from de Sousa, silicone handle covers and interchangeable knobs. Suitable for all stovetops including induction and oven safe to 150°C. Available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. One Pan Roaster, $29.99 – Cast aluminium roaster designed for even heat distribution, with a ceramic interior coating that is PFOA and PTFE-free. Suitable for all stovetops including induction, dishwasher safe and includes an exclusive Steph Cooks Stuff recipe. Available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Silicone Utensils 3pc, $12.99 each – Everyday kitchen tools made with heat-resistant two-tone silicone up to 180°C and a flexible nylon core for strength and control. Dishwasher safe. Available in two sets: Set A includes a mince masher, turner and tongs, while Set B includes a spreader spatula, spatula and whisk. Measuring Cups and Spoons 10 piece set, $6.99 – 10-piece measuring set with a custom flower clip for easy organisation. Dishwasher safe and available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Measuring Jug 3-piece set, $6.99 – Three-piece measuring jug set with 250ml, 500ml and 1000ml jugs. Dishwasher safe and available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Silicone Spoon Rest, $4.99 – Bench-saving spoon rest designed for cooking mess management. Heat resistant up to 180°C, dishwasher safe and available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Silicone Trivet, $4.99 – Playful floral trivet designed to protect surfaces from heat up to 180°C. Dishwasher safe and available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Silicone Pot Vent and Spoon Holder, $4.99 – Dual-purpose kitchen accessory featuring de Sousa’s signature glasses design. Works as both a pot vent and spoon holder, is heat resistant up to 180°C, dishwasher safe and available in electric blue, pop pink and dreamy purple. Velour Tea Towel 2pk, $8.99 – Soft cotton velour tea towel two-pack designed for everyday use with a more styled-up finish. Available in four designs. Apron & Oven Glove in Tote Bag, $19.99 – Coordinated three-piece set featuring a cotton apron, oven glove and matching tote bag. Available in four designs. Easy Dinner Queen by Steph de Sousa, $12.99 – de Sousa’s cookbook focused on quick, delicious dinner recipes. Air Fryer Queen by Steph de Sousa, $12.99 – de Sousa’s air fryer cookbook with meal inspiration and tips for getting more out of an air fryer. The 13-piece Steph Cooks Stuff x ALDI Special Buys range will be available in ALDI’s middle aisle and on DoorDash from July 22 until stocks...

Macca’s is giving the Quarter Pounder a bigger permanent line-up after spending more than 50 years as undisputed king of the Australian menu. The new Quarter Pounder range is available nationwide from July 8, adding four variations to the menu: two returning fan favourites and two new double versions stacked with 100% Aussie beef. It is less of a reinvention and more of a full Quarter Pounder victory lap. The classic burger already has the numbers behind it, with more than 56 million burgers sold across the Quarter Pounder range in Australia over the past 12 months. That includes the Quarter Pounder, Double Quarter Pounder and Quarter Pounder Deluxe, with the range accounting for 27.6 per cent of all beef burger sales at Macca’s. Put another way, more than 100 Quarter Pounders from the range are sold every minute across Australia. It also ranks as Macca’s second most popular burger range nationwide, behind only the Cheeseburger. New South Wales leads the country’s Quarter Pounder obsession, purchasing more than 17 million burgers from the range in the past year. Victoria and Queensland are tied in second place, with more than 14 million burgers sold in each state. The new Quarter Pounder line-up The expanded range includes four Quarter Pounder variations, all made with 100% Aussie beef and served on a sesame seed bun. Quarter Pounder Deluxe (Back by demand) – A quarter pound of 100% Aussie beef topped with 100% Aussie melted cheese, juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, pickles and onions, finished with tangy mustard, ketchup and creamy McChicken® sauce. Quarter Pounder BBQ Bacon & Crispy Onions (Back by demand) – A quarter pound of 100% Aussie beef stacked with rasher bacon, crispy onions, pickles, melted cheese and smoky BBQ sauce. Double Quarter Pounder Deluxe (New) – Two quarter pound 100% Aussie beef patties with 100% Aussie melted cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, pickles and onions, finished with mustard, ketchup and creamy McChicken® sauce. Double Quarter Pounder BBQ Bacon & Crispy Onions (New) – Two quarter pound 100% Aussie beef patties stacked with rasher bacon, crispy onions, pickles, melted cheese and rich BBQ sauce. Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director for McDonald’s Australia, said the Quarter Pounder had earned its place as one of Australia’s most loved burgers. “For over 50 years, the Quarter Pounder has earned its place as one of Australia’s most loved burgers thanks to its unmistakeable flavour and consistently satisfying recipe. “This milestone gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything our customers love about the Quarter Pounder and bring more choice to the menu – and this new range is here to stay. Whether it’s the classic Quarter Pounder or one from the new range, each burger delivers on the great taste and quality ingredients that have made the Quarter Pounder a legend for five decades.” The range keeps the classic Quarter Pounder cues in place, from the Aussie beef and golden toasted buns to the melty cheese, pickles and fresh onions. The new Quarter Pounder range is permanently available at Macca’s restaurants nationwide from July 8 via drive-thru, front counter, McDelivery and the MyMacca’s app. Source: Omnicom Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.