Overview
UPDATE: OCTOBER 29, 2019 — Due to external factors, the opening of Mary's Melbourne has been pushed back to the end of January 2020. The below article has been updated to reflect this.
By now, Sydneysiders are more than familiar with the American-style burgers, decadent fried chicken and wild child vibes of Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham's Mary's empire. Having launched their original burger restaurant in Newtown in 2013, the boys now have four Mary's venues under their belts, the latest opening in Sydney's CBD just last month. They've even ventured down south for a couple of brief flirtations, hosting a one-day kitchen takeover at Leonard's House of Love and then a two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free earlier this year.
Now, Melbourne's set to score a proper, permanent taste of the Sydney crowd-pleaser, with news we'll have our own bricks-and-mortar Mary's outpost come summer.
Smyth and Graham have nabbed a "cavernous" site on Franklin Street in the CBD, where they're slated to unveil their newest project in late January, 2020. "We're here to do what we do," said Graham in a statement. "To give our punters simple, delicious food, backed up with an experience that's fun as hell."
Mary's, Sydney.
They're staying true to their slightly grungy, slightly rock 'n' roll form, so expect an unassuming laneway entrance — marked by only a red light — leading through to a sprawling venue complete with a majestic, custom-made wrought iron chandelier covered in 24,000 hanging dead roses. The flowers are damage stock from Sydney markets, so nothing is going to waste, either.
It'll also be the duo's biggest venue yet with 140 seats and, just like the OG Newtown spot, a mezzanine level will overlook the rest of the room.
The food offering will showcase tried-and-true Mary's favourites like the Mary's burger, the mushroom burger, fried chicken and gravy-drenched mash, alongside a few Melbourne exclusives. The kitchen will also be dishing up a version of Mary's new vegan menu, which has been going gang-busters since launching at the Circular Quay outpost in May.
Mary's fans will know to expect a pretty primo drinks offering to match and, indeed, this one won't disappoint. Award-winning Mary's Group Sommelier and Wine Director Caitlyn Rees has pulled together a lineup of over 100 wines, heroing local Victorian producers.
Mary's Melbourne is slated to open at 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne, in late January 2020. You'll be able to book tables for eight or more guests.
Top image: Nikki To