South Australia’s largest family-owned supermarket chain, Drakes, has opened a new store in Mount Gambier.
The new 4,000sqm supermarket at 25 James Street officially opened to the public on Wednesday, 15 October, marking a milestone in Drakes’ 50-year history of family business and regional investment.
It is also the same suburb where founder Roger Drake was once told he would never succeed in retail more than 50 years ago.
Drake said they are proud to offer a unique shopping experience and create local jobs, supporting Mount Gambier families for generations to come.
“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.”
Developed in partnership with Leyton Property, the store transforms a long-vacant site into a flagship destination expected to employ more than 120 locals.
Hamish Brown, Managing Director of Leyton Property, said 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.”
The store features a range of in-store experiences including The Little Kitchen, offering hot meals and salads made to order, and Nonna’s Pasta, serving fresh pasta cooked in store. Customers can also enjoy F’Real thickshakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and Feed Me platters prepared in-store for entertaining.
John-Paul Drake, Director at Drakes, said they are so excited to be joining the Limestone Coast community and the support they’ve already received from the people of Mount Gambier is by far the biggest they’ve had for any store opening.
“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.”
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