News & Media

Shingle Inn’s response to latest Covid-19 lockdown in Qld

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MORE HELP NEEDED FOR HOSPITALITY

Facing the business impact of Covid-19 in 2021 is vastly different from that of just 12 months ago, thanks to the ever-diminishing support of state and federal governments. Hospitality stalwarts, the Bellchambers family, owners of the iconic Shingle Inn café and Gilhooleys Irish Pub say it defies belief that no discussion of business support is forthcoming in this latest lockdown, especially given that JobKeeper finished last weekend.

“It feels as though the government has forgotten that lockdowns affect small business and our ability to employ people and operate profitability,” says co-Director Andrew Bellchambers. “There was significant support from the federal government initially but it seems that its too easy now for state governments to impose arbitrary lockdown periods without any thought of the financial burden being inflicted on business.”

Mr Bellchambers says that its not feasible to suggest that cafes and restaurants can operate profitably after 12 months of restrictions, physically limiting the number of customers and forcing businesses to operate under a restricted model, such as they do when they make it everything ‘takeaway only’.

“There seems to be some confusion about what is and is not an essential business too,” says Mr Bellchambers. “At least one shopping centre lessor sent out communications this week saying that retail outlets are essential and should remain open. But if people are being told to stay home, then it doesn’t make sense for those businesses to open, pay their staff and take no income.”

Mr Bellchambers also points to the Lessor Code of Conduct that was nationally introduced in April last year to set a framework for reducing rental payments for businesses who were operating under government-imposed restrictions and, in some cases, unable to open and therefore collect any revenue to pay rent. That agreement ended for many businesses in December, despite Covid-19 continuing to wreak havoc across multiple states since then.

“For each one of these lockdowns, revenue capabilities are reduced, but rental payments aren’t guaranteed to change and minimum staffing requirements are still needed in order to open.”

“The impact of these lockdowns for business lasts for weeks – well beyond a 3 or 7 day ‘official’ closure. Consumer confidence continues to be rattled and state governments who blindly take this action in the name of public safety are taking a soft way out every time with no sense of consideration for small businesses that are paying people’s wages from week to week.”

#ENDS

Bulimba’s New Burger ‘King’

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The people of Brisbane have officially embraced Bulimba’s newest burger offering with the venue exceeding all expectations during their first quarter of operation. ‘St Burger’ is the first Queensland location for the new concept devised by Brisbane’s iconic cafe chain, Shingle Inn.

The delicious new burger range from St Burger, served within Shingle Inn Bulimba – the cafe famous for its coffee and cakes – has opened a totally new market for the popular spot. Once closing daily at 4pm, the cafe is now open until 5.30pm daily and until late on Friday and Saturday nights with locals looking to dine on the delectable burger range. Under new management since October last year, the new franchisees, April and Tony Carnie, are proud to be the first Shingle Inn in Queensland to try the new concept and are excited at their success.

“We really feel that the burger concept has helped us reach a wider cross section of the community,” says April. “As a result, more locals have seen how extensive our breakfast menu is, recognised our level of coffee expertise and realised we are more than a cake shop.”

April and Tony were amongst Shingle Inn’s original franchisees when the proudly family-owned company first started franchising around seven years ago. They opened their first Shingle Inn cafe at Mt Ommaney in December 2009 with their business partners Nicki Nesbitt and Wiesiek Lewandowski who continue to operate the Mt Ommaney store for the high-achieving foursome April and Tony, together with Nicki and Wiesiek, have been regular award winners including the FCA (Franchise Council of Australia) Franchisee of the Year in 2014 when Shingle Inn also won ‘Emerging Franchisor of the Year’ as well as Qld Franchisee of the Year in 2013.

The St Burger mascot, Moo-Moo the cow, is taking over social media with locals stopping to snap selfies daily while Shingle Inn celebrates it’s 81st year as Brisbane’s oldest & most loved café.

The St Burger range of hand-crafted artisan burgers, is only available at Shingle Inn Bulimba.

 

Christmas Traditions at Shingle Inn

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Since our first café opened in 1936, Shingle Inn has played a special role in family traditions both throughout the year and at Christmas, which is why so many people choose to savour the taste of Christmas and add a special touch to the lives of those they love with the delicious range of Shingle Inn Christmas goodies.

Born in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Australia’s history with a unique story to share. From the humble beginnings of one store that stood alone for 66 years, the Shingle Inn is now a franchise network of 52 cafes throughout Australia with locations in Qld, Victoria, WA, ACT and NSW.

As a company with a rich family history, and with decades of experience in producing superior quality Christmas treats, Shingle Inn is the first stop in helping to create a beautiful Christmas table. Traditional puddings dripping with Brandy Custard Sauce or an amazing Christmas cake make a distinctive centerpiece, while the extensive range of traditional and modern treats from Fruit Mince Pies to Salted Caramel Reindeer Tarts, will ensure everyone tastes Christmas in every bite.

CHRISTMAS CAKES AND PUDDINGS:

Since as early as 1937, Shingle Inn has baked Christmas fruit cakes and puddings to their traditional recipe, so the bakery understands what makes the perfect cake. The cakes and puddings are a labour of love, with fruit soaked in brandy for three months, mixed with the highest quality raw ingredients and blended together with the greatest of care before being baked and matured to ensure they are perfect when served to the whole family.

This year Shingle Inn have added a modern family classic to the pudding range, with the delicious Golden Syrup pudding. Self-saucing and just like nanna made, the Golden Syrup pudding is oozing with golden syrup is a quick and easy to prepare dessert to finish off a delicious Christmas meal.

Available in a range of sizes, these beautiful creations, particularly Shingle Inn’s traditional iced all over Fruit Cake, also make the perfect table centrepiece or festive gift for this special occasion.

GLUTEN FREE:

Shingle Inn Fruit Cakes and Puddings made with gluten-free ingredients are also available. In 2016 Shingle Inn are focusing on customer favourites, including Fruit Mince Tarts and the very popular Brownie Trees.

CHRISTMAS TREATS:

It’s just not Christmas without a few sweet indulgences, and Shingle Inn has plenty to delight all tastes.

From traditional flavours like classic mouth-watering buttery shortbread, Fruit Mince Pies and Fruit Mince Tarts to new treats like Salted Caramel Reindeer Tarts, Rocky Road, Choc Cranberry Cookies and the special new Ginger Chocolate Kisses, available to buy individually or in a beautifully crafted Commemorative Tin gift pack.

They’ve also brought back the ever popular Snowman and Christmas Tree biscuits, which are made using Shingle Inn’s famous traditional biscuit mix and hand-decorated in the Shingle Inn bakery and presented in beautifully designed gift boxes.

TOP BARISTAS IN NATIONAL COFFEE CHAIN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Brisbane’s oldest and most loved café – the Shingle Inn – has put together its team of best baristas to battle for the title of Australia’s best coffee chain at the 2016 DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Chain Challenge on Thursday 24 November in Sydney.

The event will see 10 of the nation’s top coffee chains compete to see who will emerge as the 2016 DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Chain Champion.

Shingle Inn’s top baristas from all over Australia have been selected to compete:
· Nataliah Emmily Royan from Shingle Inn Bulimba, who recently won Shingle Inn’s Latte Art competition
· Amy Telfer, from Shingle Inn North Lakes, who was the runner up in Shingle Inn 2015 Barista of the Year
· Ellen Taylor, from Shingle Inn Belmont Forum, WA, who was awarded the 2016 “star to watch” – awarded by Grinders Coffee in Shingle Inn’s national Barista of the Year competition
· Tiffany Race, who is one of Shingle Inn’s Area Managers and is as passionate about coffee as her front-line team mates.
Fellow Brisbane barista Amy Telfer sums up the team’s passion for making coffee, explaining: “If you are passionate about every coffee you make, customers will know they’re getting your best every time.”

The 2016 DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Chain Challenge will take place on Thursday 24 November from 12pm-6pm at Stockland Wetherill Park in Sydney.

ABOUT SHINGLE INN:

Born in the Autumn of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Brisbane’s history with a unique story to share.

From the humble beginnings of one store that stood alone for 66 years has grown a franchise network of 53 cafes throughout Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and WA.

The iconic Shingle Inn has a place in the heart of many people who grew up and live in Brisbane and many of the decadent, delicious products which have been devoured by so many over the decades – are still produced today, from scratch, by the Shingle Inn bakery located at Capalaba.

On 3 August 2002, the Bellchambers family were forced to close the doors on the beloved Shingle Inn on Edward St due to redevelopment. The city of Brisbane was devastated, so the decision was made to keep the iconic interior in storage until the beloved cafe could be reopened. In a painstaking effort, every detail of the cafe fit-out was catalogued and photographed so when the time came to put the pieces back together, it was possible.

On June 4 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, gifting the original store fit-out to the people of Brisbane, to be restored within another Brisbane icon, City Hall, allowing future generation to experience the history and grandeur of Shingle Inn.

Original components of the salvaged Shingle Inn featured at Brisbane City Hall include: booth tables and seating; timber veneer wall panelling; Shingle cladding and leadlight windows – where the Shingle Inn got its name from; the mock Tudor timberwork, including decorated timber ceiling beams and half timbering to walls; refurbished wall and ceiling mounted light fittings.

VINTAGE HATS FROM A PRIVATE BRISBANE COLLECTOR FEATURE AT BRISBANE’S OLDEST CAFÉ’S MELBOURNE CUP CELEBRATIONS

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Brisbane’s oldest and most loved cafe, the Shingle Inn at City Hall, has unveiled a display of vintage hats from a private Brisbane collection to celebrate our nation’s favourite horse race, Melbourne Cup.

The vintage hat display, which launches today, features designs from the 1930s, the decade the Shingle Inn was first opened, to the present day.

Guests at the Shingle Inn City Hall Melbourne Cup High Tea, to be held next Tuesday 1 November 2016 from 12pm – 3pm, will hear the stories behind the hats from the collector herself.

At the Shingle Inn Melbourne Cup High Tea, guests will enjoy a selection of ribbon sandwiches, freshly baked traditional scones with clotted cream and luscious strawberry preserve, selection of the iconic Shingle Inn cakes and sweets, and choice of beverages from an extensive range of international teas or coffee.

Guests will also enjoy sweepstakes, gift bags, prizes for best dressed and watch the “race that stops the nation” on the big screen.

As a family-friendly destination, pre-school children are also welcome to attend with a special Teddy Bear High Tea on offer that includes an activity pack.

Bookings are essential and the restaurant will be closed during this time for those who haven’t purchased a ticket.

Date: Tuesday 1 November 2016
Time: 12noon – 3pm
Where: Shingle Inn City Hall
Cost: $95 all-inclusive per adult, $25 per child
To book tickets: Phone: 3210 2904 or visit www.shingleinncityhall.com/reservations
Born in the Autumn of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Australia’s, and more specifically Brisbane’s, local history.
The iconic Shingle Inn has a special place in the heart of many people who grew up and live in Brisbane, sharing special moments while devouring their decadent, delicious products which are still produced today, by hand using traditional ingredients, by the team of bakers at that Shingle Inn bakery located at Capalaba.

On 3 August 2002, the Bellchambers family were forced to close the doors on the beloved Shingle Inn on Edward St due to the Queens Plaza redevelopment.

The citizens of Brisbane united in support of this beloved family business so the decision was made to keep the iconic interior in storage until the cafe could be reopened.

In a painstaking effort, every detail of the cafe fit-out was catalogued and photographed at it was dismantled so that when the time came to put the pieces back together, it was possible.

On June 4 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, gifting the original store fit-out to the people of Brisbane, to be restored within another Brisbane icon, City Hall, allowing future generation to experience the history and grandeur of the Shingle Inn.

Original components of the salvaged Shingle Inn featured at Brisbane City Hall include: booth tables and seating; timber veneer wall paneling; Shingle cladding and leadlight windows – where the Shingle Inn got its name from; the mock Tudor timberwork, including decorated timber ceiling beams and half timbering to walls; refurbished wall and ceiling mounted light fittings.

From the humble beginnings of this one iconic store that stood alone for 66 years, the Shingle Inn has now grown into a franchise network of 53 cafes throughout Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and WA.

BOOK LOVERS HIGH TEA AT BRISBANE’S OLDEST CAFÉ

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Two of Qld’s most loved authors – Rebecca Sparrow and Frances Whiting – will be the special guests at Brisbane’s most loved café when the Shingle Inn City Hall hosts the inaugural “Inn Book Lovers’ High Tea” on Sunday 23 October from 11.30am – 1pm.

Guests can discuss “what you are reading” and enjoy a decadent, fun High Tea full of the creation of wonderful memories for which Shingle Inn has been famous for over the last 80 years! Proceeds from the event will be donated to the The Pyjama Foundation to help their work in sending “reading angels” into the homes of foster kids.

DATE: Sunday 23 October 2016
TIME: 11.30am – 1pm
LOCATION: Shingle Inn City Hall
COST: $70 per person
TO BOOK: Call 3210 2904

Guests will enjoy a decadent High Tea served with a glass of Australian sparkling wine and a selection of the ribbon sandwiches – Tasmanian smoked salmon, rocket, fried caper; free range egg, mayonnaise, snow pea sprouts; leg ham with seeded mustard cucumber; cream cheese, dill & chive; chicken, walnut, apple, celery and tarragon mayonnaise; camembert, pistachio, fig & ginger confit along with a freshly baked traditional plain scone with clotted cream and preserve; selection of decadent petite cakes and sweets and a choice of the extensive range of international teas or your choice of coffee.

BRISBANE’S OLDEST CAFÉ TO FEATURE ON THE NEW BRISBANE MONOPOLY BOARD

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Shingle Inn & Mr Monopoly

Only one year separates the beginning of two iconic and much loved brands – with 1935 marking the year Monopoly sold its first commercial version and 1936 the year when Shingle Inn opened its first café in Brisbane.

So it is fitting that in Shingle Inn’s 80th anniversary year that its original store, now situated in City Hall, is one of the locations to be featured on Brisbane Monopoly – with all locations announced earlier today.

In April this year Brisbane residents were invited to suggest Brisbane properties via the Brisbane Monopoly Facebook page and Shingle Inn’s loyal customer base were quick to respond with multiple votes.

Owners of the Shingle Inn, the Bellchambers family, say they are honoured to be featured on the Brisbane edition of the world’s most popular board game.

“Shingle Inn is thrilled to be part of a board game that embodies the key landmarks of Brisbane,” Andrew Bellchambers said.

Andrew’s brother Peter Bellchambers explained further: “Shingle Inn has been a part of the city’s heritage and growth for 80 years.  With generations of families sharing traditions within our café, and developing lifelong memories as a result, the brand, like Monopoly, has created a special place in the hearts and minds of residents and visitors alike.”

Born in the Autumn of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Brisbane’s history with a unique story to share.

From the humble beginnings of one store that stood alone for 66 years has grown a franchise network of 53 cafes throughout Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and WA.

The iconic Shingle Inn has a place in the heart of many people who grew up and live in Brisbane and many of the decadent, delicious products which have been devoured by so many over the decades – are still produced today, from scratch, by the Shingle Inn bakery located at Capalaba.

On 3 August 2002, the Bellchambers family were forced to close the doors on the beloved Shingle Inn on Edward St due to redevelopment. The city of Brisbane was devastated, so the decision was made to keep the iconic interior in storage until the beloved cafe could be reopened. In a painstaking effort, every detail of the cafe fit-out was catalogued and photographed so when the time came to put the pieces back together, it was possible.

On June 4 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, gifting the original store fit-out to the people of Brisbane, to be restored within another Brisbane icon, City Hall, allowing future generation to experience the history and grandeur of Shingle Inn.

Original components of the salvaged Shingle Inn featured at Brisbane City Hall include: booth tables and seating; timber veneer wall panelling; Shingle cladding and leadlight windows – where the Shingle Inn got its name from; the mock Tudor timberwork, including decorated timber ceiling beams and half timbering to walls; refurbished wall and ceiling mounted light fittings.

ENDS

BRISBANE’S OLDEST CAFÉ TO FEATURE ON THE NEW BRISBANE MONOPOLY BOARD

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Only one year separates the beginning of two iconic and much loved brands – with 1935 marking the year Monopoly sold its first commercial version and 1936 the year when Shingle Inn opened its first café in
Brisbane.

So it is fitting that in Shingle Inn’s 80th anniversary year that its original store, now situated in City Hall, is one of the locations to be featured on Brisbane Monopoly – with all locations announced earlier today.

In April this year Brisbane residents were invited to suggest to suggest Brisbane properties via the Brisbane Monopoly Facebook page and Shingle Inn’s loyal customer base were quick to respond with multiple votes.

Owners of the Shingle Inn, the Bellchambers family, say they are honoured to be featured on the Brisbane edition of the world’s most popular board game.
“Shingle Inn is thrilled to be part of a board game that embodies the key landmarks of Brisbane,” Andrew Bellchambers said.

Andrew’s brother Peter Bellchambers explained further: “Shingle Inn has been a part of the city’s heritage and growth for 80 years. With generations of families sharing traditions within our café, and developing lifelong memories as a result, the brand, like Monopoly, has created a special place in the hearts and minds of residents and visitors alike.”

 

TWO WORD TEXT THE GOLDEN TICKET

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When Christine Haworth’s mobile received a phone signal while she was holidaying in outback Qld and she saw a two word text from her friend – she couldn’t believe her eyes.

“YOU WON” her good friend Michelle Dodds texted her after attending the Qld draw on Christine’s behalf and receiving the winning ticket in Shingle Inn’s recent $10,000 giveaway promotion.

Christine, who lives in Nerum between Woodford and Mt Mee, entered the competition after purchasing a hot beverage and cold drink while visiting Shingle Inn Sunshine Plaza recently.

The $10,000 winning draw was held simultaneously around the country, with all 80 finalists (or someone there in their behalf) receiving one of Shingle Inn’s decadent, famous patty cakes. Each patty cake had a ticket in it– with one being the winning ticket.

Luckily for Christine, Michelle chose chocolate – and won the $10,000 for her friend.

Christine is planning to give Michelle some of her winnings, as well as her favourite charity.

But that’s after she treats herself and her husband to a helicopter ride over Carnarvon Gorge – the 160-million-year-old natural wonder and one of Queensland’s most iconic Parks.

Shingle Inn is Qld’s oldest and most iconic cafe, celebrating 80 years in 2016 since the cafe first opened its doors on Edward Street in Brisbane’s CBD.

Born in the Autumn of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Australia’s, and more specifically Brisbane’s, local history.

From the humble beginnings of one store that stood alone for 66 years, the Shingle Inn is now a franchise network of more than 53 cafes throughout Australia.

Shingle Inn Sunshine Plaza Supports Daniel’s Day

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The team at Shingle Inn Sunshine Plaza have this year got behind the annual Day for Daniel campaign; swapping a cup of coffee or pot of tea for each donation (over $5) they receive on 30 October.

Shingle Inn Franchisee and Mum Annette Kirby said the entire team were eager to raise awareness for child safety, as they all live and work in close proximity to where the tragic abduction of Daniel Morcombe took place in December 2003.

“My own daughter, Chenise, was just a few years younger than Daniel when the abduction happened. I remember feeling horrified, knowing it could have very easily been her,” Ms Kirby recalls.

“Chenise is now a confident young woman of 21, who works alongside me as a Supervisor at the café. She is engaged to get married, and has a full and happy social life. Daniel would have also been a young man in his early 20s today, had the abduction not happened. However, he will never have the opportunities and life experiences of Chenise and their peers.”

As Daniel was on his way to purchase Christmas presents at Sunshine Plaza, the Shingle Inn Sunshine Plaza team want to acknowledge and pay tribute to his life, whilst raising funds and awareness for the Day for Daniel Foundation.

“The Foundation does an excellent job nationally in educating both children and adults about keeping kids safe through child safety and protection initiatives. It aims to help empower our children to Recognise, React and Report if they feel something is not right,” Ms Kirby said.

Ms Kirby, Chenise and the team invite local residents and guests from afar to join them for lunch or morning/afternoon tea this Friday 30 October. Shingle Inn has pledged to gift a free cup of coffee or pot of tea to anyone who donates $5 or more on the day.