The Standard Market Company brings the boujee to boutique shopping experience.
The Standard Market Company brings the boujee to boutique shopping experience.
They call it The Standard Market Company and we think it’s because they set the standard for quality and freshness.
In fact, we’d say they’re more along the lines of un-pea-lievable (see what we did there).
The Brickworks location has been a favourite among locals since 2006 when the team burst onto the Gold Coast grocery scene, bringing a boutique shopping experience that put the big guys to shame.
Because who doesn’t want to feel a little bit boujee doing their weekly shop?
With a background in the fruit and veg spanning four decades, founder Darren Frame saw a space that no one was nailing – bringing the highest quality, fresh produce to customers.
And there The Standard Market Company that we know and love was born.
Some of the team head straight to Rocklea Markets bright and early to select the best quality fruit and vegetables, that are then transported daily to the stores for us all to enjoy.
Thankfully for us, Darren didn’t stop at just fruit and veg, The Standard Market Company has quickly become a one stop shop with the whole hog on offer including a butcher (see what we did there), deli, bakery and gelato to sweeten the deal.
Darren’s passion for produce quickly saw them rally up the best bakers and pastry chefs the city had to offer, along with expert butchers to bring one of the biggest ranges of hand-crafted sweet treats and meats with specialty produce you can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re a charcuterie lover (if you aren’t, we’re judging you) the deli will delight the senses with cheeses, cured meats the biggest range of hand-marinated olives we’ve ever seen – if you like a little kick we’re big fans of the chilli kind – or a gourmet bbq chook to take the stress out of meal prep #fancy.
So when it comes to sourcing the finest ingredients, creating gourmet delights, and providing a one-stop haven for food lovers, I suppose you could say The Standard Market Company has been doing a berry, berry good job of it.
Now we’re the first ones to say that all that shopping is hungry work, so luckily for you there’s also some delish dining options to help squash the cravings.
This family-owned gem has some of our favourite foodie spots nestled alongside them – hello Pearl & Ash – for a post-shopping pitstop.
Or Quench your thirst at their iconic juice bar where you can grab a green juice because #health and a quick bite because we get it, you’re busy.
In the name of being a family affair, Darren and Nikki have rounded up their troops with the whole fam having special roles across the business, you’ll find Darren on the floor five days a week, while Nikki keeps the back of house running smoothly and the kids lending a helping hand across all areas of the business.
But they’re more than just a Gold Coast success story, the Frame’s have expanded across two more locations in Brisbane at James St Markets and of course, Gasworks in Newstead, where Darren’s eldest son Chris Frame is the General Manager.
The Frame’s employ more than 170 Gold Coaster’s keeping it local and we love to see it.
The Standard Market Company is a true family-owned business, owned and operated by Darren and Nikki.
Their mission is simple: to set the standard in food retail by providing customers with the highest quality gourmet foods and ingredients, coupled with friendly and knowledgeable customer service – sounds like a winning combo to us.
It’s not just the place to stock up on your favourite fare, it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of a family that’s been serving the Gold Coast’s foodie needs for decades.
If you’re looking for the best, freshest, and most delicious ingredients, The Standard Market Company is the only place to go.
Experience the gold standard in food retail; experience The Standard Market Company.
When: 8am – 6pm everyday
Where: Suite 1/107 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY BRICKWORKS FERRY RD
You know all about Brickworks Ferry Road being a foodie haven, but did you know it is also one of our favourite wellness and beauty havens on the Gold Coast?
Say hello to the best-kept secrets at Brickworks Ferry Road – their premium health and beauty spots.
We’ll forgive and forget if you’ve been sleeping on the fact that Brickworks is the home of beauty with a huge range of premium health and wellness retailers right in the heart of Sopo, so that you can get your glow on in one ultra convenient location.
Like you needed any more reason to treat yourself in the name of #selfcare, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to get your wellness on, so you can spend less time scrolling and more time relaxing.
You’re welcome.
Cosmetic Avenue
The newest kid on the block but with a reputation that extends far beyond the Coast, Cosmetic Avenue have opened their first Queensland bricks and mortar space right in the heart of Brickworks Ferry Road.
With world-class treatments and expert clinicians on staff, they’re all about curated treatment plans, exclusively for you.
With cosmetic injectables, skin, face and body treatments you’ll leave every appointment with a serious glow up #goals.
Grace Private: Care Designed for Women
A medical practice designed by women, for women – yes please.
We’ve all been there, overwhelmed with where to go to and who to talk to about that women’s health issue you’ve been avoiding, thankfully the team at Grace Private have created the perfect spot for just that.
Here, you’ll find a sanctuary of care, with specialists dedicated to the well-being of women of all ages and health needs.
It’s a place where you can discuss your health concerns openly and get the tailored medical attention you deserve, without the overwhelm.
Lost Boys Barber Shop
All is not lost because lads, we haven’t forgotten about you!
Find your way at the Lost Boys Barber Shop where the resident barbers fuse old school charm with contemporary style so that you get to leave looking and feeling your best.
If you’ve ever seen the gents in action with a cutthroat shave (not as scary as it sounds, promise), you’ll know exactly how these guys have turned grooming into an art form.
Hair Art Boutique by Sarah Sumner and Ricocco Hair & Beauty
Treat your tresses to a transformation with one of Brickworks resident hair gurus – Hair Art Boutique by Sarah Sumner and Ricocco Hair & Beauty.
Winter has been and gone and we just know you’ve been letting that mane go (we’re all guilty, no judgement), so now’s the time to get that colour transformation you’ve been dreaming of or the big chop (we’re living for the short hair come back) before we swing into summer.
New season, new hair, new you 💁🏼♀️
Retreat Massage & Wellness
Okay picture this, it’s been a long week (and it’s only Tuesday at this point) and you’re already craving some well-earned R&R. Well, Retreat Massage & Wellness is the place to be – we think we can even hear it calling your name.
Their massage therapies are designed to soothe your body, relax your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. It’s a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle and focus on your wellbeing – all in the name of some self care.
Ry.com.au
At Ry.com.au, you really can recreate yourself with the huge range of cult beauty products and services you know and love.
Get your glow on at the brand’s flagship store where you can get your hands on iconic brands like Kerastase and ghd so that every day is a good hair day, or if you want to leave it to the pros, why not book in for one of their hair and makeup services? You don’t have to ask us twice.
Australian Skin Clinics
Whatever your skin concerns, the team at Australian Skin Clinics have a huge range of services to create a truly bespoke treatment plan that actually targets the problems and makes a difference.
With summer around the corner, why not try out that laser hair removal treatment you’ve been holding off so you can soak up the sunshine (while wearing SPF, obviously) with a spring in your step.
After you’ve treated yourself to your fave health and beauty services, don’t forget to explore the rest of Brickworks Ferry Road – refuel after the relaxation at one of the precinct’s delish cafes or pop in for a spot of shopping at one of their homeware and lifestyle stores. There’s no better time to discover one of the Gold Coast’s best kept beauty secrets and make Brickworks Ferry Road your go-to for all things health and beauty.
When: Various hours
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY BRICKWORKS FERRY RD
One bird evokes a strong reaction from us all and no, we’re not talking about a female or the polarising bin chicken. We’re referring to the actual chicken, AKA the universal palette pleaser. Fry it, roast it, grill it, boil it, whatevs – we love it all.the.ways, but are particularly partial to a charcoal chook. So when word spread about Bird Royale, a charcoal chicken slinging newbie set to open at Brickworks Ferry Road this Friday 2nd December, it really ‘beaked‘ our interest. But this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill chicken joint, it‘s a high-end, fancy-pants version! Set to be the most hensome of its kind, we have big eggs-pectations and cannot wait to chick it out!
The latest brainchild from Dave Galvin and SITE Hospitality, Bird Royale joins an exciting (h)ensemble of the company’s eats offerings, including northern watering-hole fave Crafty’s Sports Bar and the brand spanking new MOZZA MOZZA Italian noshery at Southport Sharks. To ensure this bougie chookery keeps the Galvin/SITE names in high regards, renowned Group Executive Chef Nic Wood is on board, and has created a clucking awesome menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with vegetarian options to boot), they’ve taken it one-step further and offer kerbside collection from 5pm via the open-air chicken shop window. And the plot chickens, coz they also deliver and cater for functions and srsly, genius mode is officially activated!
Let’s start with the signature dish which is obvs the whole or half charcoal chicken. Cooked to juicy perfection with just the right amount of charcoal charm courtesy of the custom-built charcoal rotisserie, it’s a winner winner chicken dinner. To elevate the flavour another notch, choose from the original house sumac seasoning or the signature miso and chilli spiced variety, and throw in a seasonal salad, roasted vegetables or a vegetable bake.
If you’re trying to give those love handles the ‘ole heave-ho, how about a fresh wholesome salad packed with locally sourced produce? Or if you couldn’t give two tosses about the kg coz duh, it’s the silly season, have a go of the crispy gluten-free fried chicken range, served by the box (five pieces) or bucket (10 pieces) with pickles and hot sauce. Seasoned with secret spices and a combination of rice, potato and corn flours, just add a salad, side of chips, or potato tots dusted in Old Bay seasoning, and can someone pls pass a hanky coz we’re drooling.
There are also made-to-order burgers including the Classic Bird (fried chicken breast, lettuce, aioli, pickles), fresh sangas like the Super Fly Roll with charcoal chicken pieces, house-made chicken gravy and smoked butter on a crusty white roll, and a special menu for the kiddos.
The brekky set can start their day with the likes of the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich, featuring a sausage patty, crispy bacon, fried egg, cheese, and ketchup in a milk bun. Or nom something from the grab-and-go cabinet, choccas all-day-long with snacks like fruit salads, chia puddings with caramelised pineapple and coconut, a selection of breakfast wraps, and roast chicken and salad rolls to name a few. And let’s not forget the sips, with coffee by popular Melbourne roaster ST. Ali, house-made iced tea in rotating flavours, cold-pressed juices by The Fix, Liberty kombuchas, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beers by UPFLOW Brewing Co.
So folks, from this Friday make sure you eggs-it stage left to Bird Royale for the ultimate fancy chick fest (in more ways than one, given the Brickworks location wink wink).
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road (next to Merlot Coffee), 107 Ferry Road, Southport
When: Opening Friday 2nd December. Main shop: 7am – 5pm Monday – Sunday. Kerbside pickup 5pm – 8pm Monday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.
Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.
Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.
Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley
Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen
Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah
Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!
During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat
Words by Belinda Symons.
