AUSTRALIA | Drakes has returned to Mount Gambier, in the very store where founder Roger Drake was told he would never be successful in the retailing industry over five decades ago.
The new Drakes Mount Gambier store was officially opened to the public on Wednesday, the 15th of October, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 50-plus-year journey of family business, resilience, and regional investment.
“It’s a full circle moment - from serving the Mount Gambier community over 50 years ago as a young employee of a multi-national supermarket, to now returning with our family-owned and operated independent supermarket,” said Managing Director Roger Drake.
“We’re proud to offer a unique shopping experience and create local jobs, supporting Mount Gambier families for generations to come.”
Spanning over 4,000sqm, Drakes Mount Gambier is part of a joint venture with Leyton Property, transforming a long vacant site into Drakes’ state-of-the-art flagship and bringing a renewed sense of energy to the community.
“Leyton Property is proud to partner with Drakes Supermarket in the development of the new Mount Gambier location. We’re confident this project will be embraced by the vibrant Southeast community and contribute meaningfully to the region’s growth,” said Hamish Brown, Managing Director of Leyton Property.
Drakes Mount Gambier will employ over 120 locals and feature several new in-store experiences. Drakes’ in-house food concept, The Little Kitchen, serves hot meals and fresh salads made to order, while Nonna’s Pasta offers freshly made pasta, cooked in-store.
Customers can also treat themselves to the popular F’Real thickshake machine or refresh with freshly squeezed orange juice.
For added convenience, busy shoppers can take advantage of Drakes online shopping and enjoy Feed Me platters, freshly prepared instore and perfect for entertaining.
"We're so excited to be joining the Limestone Coast community, and the support we've already received from the people of Mount Gambier is by far the biggest we've had for any store opening," said John-Paul Drake, Director of Drakes Supermarkets.
"It cements that we are making the right decision to invest in SA's regional communities, and really shows that South Australia doesn't end at Adelaide. This store has all the new toys Drakes has to offer. If you try anything in our store, make sure it's the mint-chip F'real thickshake with a shot of espresso.”
Drakes is committed to providing the Mount Gambier community with a trusted, family-owned store that delivers exceptional value, high-quality products, competitive prices and the outstanding customer service the community deserves.
