Haigh’s Chocolates is opening its first Brisbane store this week, bringing the South Australian chocolate maker to Westfield Mt Gravatt. The store officially opens on Friday, August 28, on Level 2 next to MECCA, giving Queensland shoppers access to Haigh’s full retail experience, including artisan chocolates and complimentary in-store tastings. It is the first Brisbane store for Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, which has built a strong Queensland customer base online before moving into physical retail in the state. Haigh’s Chocolates Chief Executive Peter Millard said, “Since announcing that we were coming to Brisbane, we have had so many Haigh’s fans and online customers reaching out, asking where they can visit and when we will be open. That kind of anticipation tells you how much this moment means to them. “Queensland has been one of our strongest online markets for years so opening our first store at Westfield Mt Gravatt marks the start of establishing our bricks and mortar experience here, with Chermside and Carindale to follow in November. “The priority now is to deliver an amazing in-store experience that lives up to that excitement, giving the same exceptional personal service Haigh’s is renowned for.” Westfield Mt Gravatt is the first of three Brisbane openings planned for Haigh’s this year, with Chermside and Carindale stores set to follow in November. Westfield Mt Gravatt Centre Manager Kel Walsh said, “We’re delighted to welcome Haigh’s Chocolates to Westfield Mt Gravatt and celebrate the brand’s first store in Brisbane. “As one of Australia’s iconic chocolate makers, Haigh’s is a much-loved brand, and we’ve seen strong anticipation from customers ahead of the opening. We look forward to introducing more Brisbane customers to the premium quality and exceptional service that has made Haigh’s a favourite for generations.” Opening day will come with a few chocolate incentives. The first 50 customers to visit and make a purchase at the Mt Gravatt store will receive a free Milk Chocolate Midi Frog. Customers who spend $75 or more in-store will also receive a complimentary packet of Milk Chocolate Speckles, available from August 28 to September 4. Haigh’s Chocolates Mt Gravatt opens Friday, August 28 at Westfield Mt Gravatt. Source: Callie Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

ALDI has won the Canstar Blue Supermarket Satisfaction Award for the ninth year running, becoming the only supermarket to hold the title for nine consecutive years since the awards began in 2011. It’s the chain’s fourteenth win overall in that time, having missed out only twice. Jordan Lack, Chief Commercial Officer at ALDI Australia, said, “Australians shouldn’t have to spend more to get high-quality products at the checkout. We’re incredibly proud to be recognised in this year’s Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer Awards for Supermarkets, reinforcing what ALDI customers already know: that exceptional quality and low prices can go hand in hand. “Being recognised by our customers for the ninth consecutive year is a fantastic achievement and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the quality and value Australians expect from ALDI.” ALDI attributes the win to three things: low prices, quality, and a growing range of extras beyond the weekly shop. “Our Price Promise is built on one simple commitment to Australians: ALDI won’t be beaten on the cost of their weekly shop. That’s why we’re continuing to lower prices across our range, giving customers more opportunities to save on everyday essentials. “Every price reduction, every efficiency and every decision we make is focused on helping Aussies get more value from every dollar they spend, thanks to our exceptionally low ALDI prices,” said Lack. The win comes as ALDI cuts prices across its meat, seafood and deli ranges, part of what it calls its ongoing commitment to value on the weekly shop. The supermarket claims it has put more than $170 million into permanent price reductions across more than 300 products, based on customer purchasing patterns and pricing over the past 12 months. Staples including bacon, sausages, beef silverside and lamb loin chops have come down by as much as 20 per cent. Eden Radford, Consumer Expert at Canstar, said, “Congratulations to ALDI for winning Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award for Supermarkets for the ninth consecutive year, and fourteenth win overall.” “Canstar’s research shows households are keeping an extra close eye on their grocery budgets, with over 80 per cent making active changes to try and save on costs. It’s in this environment that ALDI has again proven it understands what shoppers want.” “ALDI has received Canstar’s customer satisfaction award because customers rated the supermarket highly across all categories, with particularly high ratings for value for money, own-brand product quality, store layout, and deals and specials available.” “Nine consecutive wins, decided by the opinion of customers, doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of consistently delivering on what Australians are looking for at the checkout.” ALDI points to other wins this year as evidence that the quality holds up beyond the discount reputation. Finder has also named it Australia’s best supermarket for meat in 2026, with the chain taking out 75 per cent of the meat categories in Finder’s own customer satisfaction awards. Its Lazzio Coffee has kept its own run of wins going, and Mamia Nappies were separately recognised among the best in the country. The supermarket has also been expanding its offering beyond groceries. ALDI Solar moved into South Australia and Western Australia this year, and its partnership with DoorDash grew to include Special Buys and liquor delivery. Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

OpenTable has named Australia’s Top 50 Restaurants for Pet-Friendly Dining in 2026, as more Australians look for places where their furry friends can tag along – no pun intended. Released ahead of International Dog Day on August 26, the list follows OpenTable data showing a 20 per cent increase in dining at pet-friendly restaurants over the past year. New OpenTable research found 51 per cent of Australian pet owners would dine out more if dog-friendly venues were easier to find, while 37 per cent have stayed home rather than leave their dog behind when they could not find a suitable place to eat. Jackson Pola, District Manager at OpenTable in Australia, said, “Aussies consider their dogs to be part of their family, and our data shows they increasingly expect the hospitality industry to accommodate that. “With a 20% increase in diners actively eating out at pet-inclusive venues, restaurants that adapt by offering designated spaces, clear policies, and even ‘doggy menus’ are capturing a highly dedicated, fast-growing demographic of diners. “We’re launching our data-backed list of the Top 50 Pet-Friendly Restaurants across the country to make it easier than ever to discover these venues.” For restaurants, cafes and bars, the opportunity is tied to how often dog owners are already eating out with their pets. OpenTable found these diners do so twice a month on average, while 17 per cent said they spend more when dining outside with their dog. Pet owners are also looking for more than a water bowl near the table. Half of dog owners said pet-friendly food or drink options are an important factor when choosing a restaurant, while 61 per cent want shaded outdoor areas, 54 per cent want designated dog areas and 42 per cent want clear signage and policies. The preference for outdoor dining is part of the same picture. Australians said they would travel 41 minutes on average for a great outdoor dining space, while 64 per cent of dog owners have chosen a restaurant because it had the best sun or outdoor conditions at the time. OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurants for Pet-Friendly Dining in 2026 is backed by diner reviews and data, with venues listed alphabetically by state. New South Wales Amalfi Ettalong Beach, Ettalong Beach Argyle Hotel, Maclean BART Jr., Redfern CARMELA Nonna of Piccolina, Double Bay McCarrs, Terrey Hills Newmarket Hotel, Mascot No Bones Byron Bay, Byron Bay Riverbank Moama, Moama The BOX on the Water, Ettalong Beach The Heritage House, Kenthurst The Potting Shed, Alexandria The Union Bank Orange, Orange Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Queensland Bam Pow, Port Douglas BAR DECO, Yandina Burpengary Tavern, Burpengary Coffee Cat on Kings Beach, Kings Beach Enzo’s on the Beach, Scarness Goodslice Pizza Napoletana, Maroochydore Juan Fifty, Alexandra Headland Tziki Bar, Forest Glen South Australia Boatshed Cafe, Hallett Cove Crisp Port Elliot, McLaren Vale Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines, West Beach West Beach SLSC, Port Elliot Tasmania The Bush Inn, New Norfolk Victoria 3030 Waterfront, Werribee South Anh Chi Em, Highton Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth Home Hotel – Launching Place, Launching Place Lion and Wombat, St Kilda Lost Watering Hole – The Lancefield Brewery, Lancefield Merricks Store, Merricks Mona Castle Hotel, Seddon Royal Oak Hotel, Fitzroy North Sister of Soul, St Kilda Sporting Club Hotel, Brunswick St Andrews Beach Brewery, Fingal Stags Head Hotel, Williamstown Tesoro Gastronomia, Balwyn North The Morning Star Hotel, Williamstown The Standard Hotel, Fitzroy The Victoria Woodend, Woodend Three Crowns Hotel, Melbourne Western Australia Mahogany Inn and Distillery, Mahogany Creek Masonmill, Carmel Rocky Ridge Duncraig, Duncraig Source: Praytell Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

Zambrero has become the first major chain in Australia to serve chips that are air-fried rather than deep-fried. The Mexican food chain has launched Hot Chips that are air-fried, never deep-fried, golden and crispy outside, fluffy in the middle, and seasoned with Zambrero’s signature zesty chicken salt. It’s a genuine first for fast food in Australia. The nationwide rollout landed in early August, following a smaller trial last year. Reaction online has been fast, with first-taste videos racking up thousands of views before Zambrero had even formally announced the launch. @wanderwithoutwheat hot chips at zambreros now + they’re gf 🍟🍟🍟 #burrito #glutenfree #chips #airfryer #takeaway ♬ original sound – madi   Zambrero CEO Daryl McCormick said, “We didn’t want to just join the chip game – we wanted to change it. Australians are some of the world’s toughest chip critics, so an ‘us-too’ chip was never going to cut it. “Ours are an Australian fast-food first – air-fried, never deep-fried – so you get all the golden crunch with less of the oil. We think we’ve nailed our hot chips and it’s great to see from the early reactions that Aussies feel the same too.” The chips also show up in a new menu item, the Cali Burrito, a spin on the Californian classic that swaps out rice for crispy chips and fresh guac, with a choice of protein, salsas and sauces. Zambrero Hot Chips: air-fried, never deep-fried, seasoned with zesty chicken salt. Available in Regular or Big. Cali Burrito: available in Small, Regular or Big, featuring Zambrero’s new Hot Chips in place of rice. Both are available now, starting from $4, at select Zambrero restaurants nationwide. Zambrero is one of Australia’s largest modern Mexican food franchises, founded by Dr Sam Prince in 2005. Through its Plate 4 Plate initiative, every regular or big burrito or bowl, Zam Box or retail item sold provides a meal to someone in need. The chain has donated more than 100 million meals globally to date. Source: Forward Agency   Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.