Open for business

IN a moment that brings the Drakes story full circle, South Australia’s largest family-owned and operated independent supermarket chain has officially opened its doors in 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, built in partnership with Leyton Property at 25 James Street opened to the public at 7am on Wednesday, October 15, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 50-plus year journey of family business, resilience, and regional investment.

Director and second-generation retailer John-Paul Drake (pictured above with Mount Gambier store manager Matthew Petric) was excited to unveil the store’s new food concepts firsthand and share how Drakes continues to invest in regional South Australia.

“This store represents more than just a new opening,” John-Paul Drake said. “It’s proof that growth, loyalty, and community always come full circle.”

Drakes Mount Gambier will employ more than 120 locals and feature several new in-store experiences, including:

The Little Kitchen

Customers will be able to select from a wide range of hot meals and fresh salads made to order. From Crispy Roast Pork crackling and roast veggies, to Pad Thai and fried rice, The Little Kitchen will become an easy grab and go option for lunch or dinner! Breakfast options will also be available, including ham and cheese croissants and breakfast muffins with cheese, egg & bacon.

Online shopping

For added convenience, customers can take advantage of Drakes Online Shopping, with click & collect service, making it easier than ever to order groceries from home and pick them up in-store at a time that suits them.

View our online offering – https://online.drakes.com.au/

Feed Me

Feed Me by Drakes offers freshly prepared, in-store platters and boxes, perfect for entertaining. Whether it’s a weekly fruit box, a boardroom meeting or a kids birthday party, we’ve designed a platter to suit every occasion.

Explore Feed Me – https://feedme.drakes.com.au/

Café wall

The Café wall offers customers a variety of quick, on-the-go options. Customers can grab freshly made hot meals from The Little Kitchen, freshly sliced bread, treat themselves to a F’Real thickshake blended to their liking with a variety of flavours, or refresh themselves with freshly squeezed orange juice made right in-store.

Drakes Exclusive Hot Wheels Promotion

Get excited – Hot Wheels is rolling into Drakes Mount Gambier! Spend $60 or more in a single transaction at any Drakes Supermarket to receive a FREE Drakes Exclusive Hot Wheels car. There are 15 to collect. Promotion runs until Tuesday, November 18, 2025, or while stocks last. More information here – https://drakes.com.au/drakes-hot-wheels-2025/

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY