West End’s beloved Burger Time 69 has launched an urgent fundraising campaign after severe damage from a neighbouring business’s ram-raid and fire on 7 November.
Burger Time 69 on Boundary Street, known for its friendly atmosphere and long-serving staff, may face closure without community support. This popular local meeting spot has seen team members Terry, Jess, and Florine serving the community for over seven years.
Owner Nathan Ghanbari is facing significant challenges after discovering his insurance won’t cover the damage. With the neighbouring property also uninsured, his business is left without recourse for the thousands of dollars in lost stock and necessary repairs.
To help maintain staff employment, replace destroyed stock, and fund essential repairs, the restaurant has set up a GoFundMe campaign. It states that even a “couple of dollars … spent on fries” could help this valued community-focused team get back on its feet.
“Without your help, we will lose the great team we all love, and will put the business in dire stress trying to reopen,” Ghanbari explains, emphasising the challenge of starting over so soon after taking ownership two months ago.
Proceeds from the campaign will go towards “restoring any damage, paying staff as so not to lose them until we can re-open, [and] restoring stock,” among other things.
Community members can support Burger Time 69’s recovery by contributing to their GoFundMe campaign here. The goal is to restore its role as a local gathering spot and preserve its contribution to West End’s vibrant food scene. As of 16 November, the campaign is already 47% of the way towards reaching its $10,000 target.
Brisbane’s cultural landscape is about to get a whole lot fizzier as global production powerhouse Strut & Fret brings their champagne-inspired circus-cabaret spectacular, Blanc de Blanc Encore, to the city’s newest entertainment venue, The West End Electric.
The show, which has already intoxicated audiences at the Sydney Opera House, arrives in Brisbane just in time for the festive season, with previews beginning November 14 before the official cork-popping opening night on November 21.
From Local Roots to Global Heights
Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook
For Creative Director Scott Maidment, bringing the show to Brisbane marks a special homecoming. “Since we opened The West End Electric in September, it’s been a treat to spend more time back home in Brisbane, where Sarah Stewart and I started the company over 20 years ago,” says Maidment, whose directing credits include work with Madonna and successful seasons of the original Blanc de Blanc in London’s West End and Las Vegas.
International Star Power
Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook
The production brings together a constellation of international talent, with choreography by Kevin Maher, whose work has graced the stages of pop icons Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Madonna. The show’s visual allure is enhanced by James Browne’s costumes, while Danish electronic artist Kenneth Bager provides the pulsating soundtrack.
A World-Class Cast
Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook
The ensemble reads like a who’s who of global circus talent, featuring Cirque du Soleil alumni and performers who have shared stages with contemporary music stars like Dua Lipa and Tones and I.
From Canadian comedian-acrobat Felix Pouliot to American aerial innovator Caitlin Tomson-Moylan, the cast brings together diverse talents from across the globe. Local audiences can look forward to seeing Perth’s own Jackie Chambers and Jess Mews alongside international stars like South African vocalist Sasha Lee Saunders and Ukrainian movement artist Misha.
More Than Just Circus
Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook
Blanc de Blanc Encore by Strut & Fret promises to transform The West End Electric from a sophisticated French lounge into a high-energy nightclub, combining world-class acrobatics with comedy, music, and plenty of surprises. The show’s previous success at prestigious venues worldwide speaks to its unique appeal, blending classic circus arts with contemporary entertainment.
Practical Details
The show runs Wednesday through Sunday with multiple performance times, making it an ideal choice for both holiday celebrations and group events. With tickets starting from $64 and special options available for group bookings, audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early for what promises to be one of Brisbane’s most talked-about entertainment events of the season.
The West End Electric, located at 125 Boundary Street, adds another jewel to Brisbane’s cultural crown, bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant precincts.
A well-established West End shisha bar was severely damaged in what appears to be a deliberate attack at around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7. The incident occurred on Boundary Street when perpetrators used a stolen vehicle to ram the storefront before setting it ablaze.
Security footage captured two individuals driving a stolen white Isuzu D-Max—previously reported stolen from Shorncliffe on 29 October—into the establishment multiple times. The suspects, described as wearing hooded garments, were then seen throwing what investigators believe to be a molotov cocktail into the vehicle before fleeing the scene in a white Ford sedan.
The Queensland Fire Department arrived promptly, containing the vehicle fire by 3:15 a.m. However, the business had already sustained significant damage from both the impact and subsequent fire. No injuries were reported as the premises were unoccupied at the time of the incident.
Local resident Arthur Early witnessed the incident and described the scene as reminiscent of a movie explosion. Another resident, who requested anonymity, reported hearing crashes before witnessing the business engulfed in flames.
Impact on local business owner
Sammy Ansabag, the establishment’s owner, expressed devastation over the attack. “I’ve been here 15 years, everyone loves me. I work hard,” Ansabag told 9News. He added that he has no knowledge of why his business might have been targeted.
Queensland Police have established a crime scene and are currently seeking two male suspects. One was wearing a beige hoodie with black track pants, while the other was dressed in all black.
Authorities are urging West End residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity or have additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Located at 148 Boundary Street, this latest addition to the Red Cross Shop network aims to provide local residents with improved access to a wide range of quality new and pre-loved clothing and accessories.
Photo credit: Red Cross Shops Australia/Facebook
The funds raised through the Shops contribute to supporting individuals facing hardship, crisis, and disaster both domestically and internationally. The organisation encourages community involvement beyond shopping, inviting locals to consider volunteering their time in-store or donating quality clothing and accessories.
The West End location operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
About Red Cross Shops
Photo credit: Red Cross Shops Australia/Facebook
The Shops play a crucial role in the organisation’s humanitarian efforts, generating funds to support various initiatives while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. By diverting high-quality vintage and pre-loved items from landfills, these stores contribute significantly to reducing textile waste.
Shoppers can expect to find a carefully curated selection of merchandise, including seasonal clothing, shoes, accessories, and homewares. The stores pride themselves on offering a diverse range of items, creating an exciting treasure hunt experience for customers. To reward loyal patrons, the Shops have implemented a loyalty program that offers a 25% discount after accumulating ten stamps for purchases over $10 or donations.
Photo credit: Red Cross Shops Australia/Facebook
The impact of the Shops extends beyond their retail function. Economically, charitable recyclers like Red Cross generate an estimated $1 billion annually for the Australian economy, with a substantial portion supporting social programs domestically and internationally.
Socially, the stores provide a welcoming environment for volunteers and community members to connect. Environmentally, they play a significant role in diverting tonnes of high-quality pre-loved items from landfills each year, addressing the serious issue of clothing waste.
As the Australian Red Cross continues to expand its retail footprint, the new West End store represents another step in its mission to combine charitable giving with sustainable shopping practices, inviting the local community to participate in a meaningful cause while enjoying a unique retail experience.
The Avid Reader Bookshop, long considered the literary heart of West End, has been transformed into a monumental public artwork that’s turning heads and sparking conversations along Boundary Street.
Titled “Charcoal Stories,” this impressive mural is the brainchild of globally recognised, Brisbane-based contemporary artist Vernon Ah Kee.
Artist Vernon Ah Kee (Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook)
The project, which wraps around the entire Avid Reader bookstore, is the flagship creation of Chrysalis Projects, an initiative born during the COVID-19 crisis to support artists, revitalise local businesses, and unite the community.
At its core, “Charcoal Stories” is a celebration of Brisbane’s rich literary tradition. The mural features a mosaic of square tiles filled with the names of local authors in Ah Kee’s signature bold black and white text.
Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook
Overlaying this typographic tapestry are dark surfboard shields bearing the names of Brisbane’s Aboriginal authors, handwritten by Ah Kee himself. This juxtaposition creates a powerful visual narrative that honours the city’s diverse literary voices.
Photo credit: Chrysalis Projects/Facebook
The scale of the project is impressive, covering over 100 square metres across 52 meticulously hand-painted panels. This herculean task was undertaken by the talented team from All City Walls, artists Yannick Blattner and Benjamin Werner, under Ah Kee’s artistic direction.
Chrysalis Projects’ co-founder Bec Mac (Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook)
Bec Mac, co-founder of Chrysalis Projects, emphasises the significance of this artist-led public art initiative. She stated that this project reveals the power of artist-run public art projects, highlighting the potential for creativity to drive community engagement and urban renewal.
For Vernon Ah Kee, “Charcoal Stories” represents more than just an artistic endeavour. He describes it as “a leap of faith,” advocating for more “risk and courage” in Brisbane’s approach to public art and urban spaces.
As passersby stop to admire and engage with this new literary landmark, “Charcoal Stories” stands as a testament to the power of public art to beautify spaces, spark dialogue, and bring communities together.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was initially reported in distress near the Boundary Street river end in West End at approximately 4:39 PM on Sunday.
According to eyewitness accounts, the man was climbing a tree when he fell into the river. A bystander, who did not know the victim, alerted emergency services after losing sight of the man in the water.
Police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers initiated a search operation on Sunday afternoon, which was suspended around 9:30 PM due to darkness. The search resumed Monday morning, with authorities expanding the search area to include the river and shoreline extending to South Brisbane and South Bank.
Local residents reported hearing sirens in the Boundary Street area on Sunday, indicating the rapid response of emergency services to the initial call.
Located at 79 Boundary Street, the site is a cornerstone of the community, anchored by a Coles supermarket and supported by 21 retailers, primarily focusing on food and allied health services.
The sale was negotiated by CBRE’s Joe Tynan and Michael Hedger. Tynan highlighted that they had been collaborating with the investor for an extended period and identified the Soda Factory as a key target. A direct approach to the vendor enabled them to negotiate and secure a favourable outcome.
The buyer, an esteemed commercial and residential group, is known for its active market presence and strong ties to the West End area, according to CBRE.
A Century-Long Legacy
Tristram’s Grey Street Factory (Photo credit: triscofoods.com.au)
The Soda Factory’s rich history dates back over a century, named after the Tristram soft drink factory that once thrived on the site. Thomas Tristram founded the original company, T Tristram Essences, in 1875, not long after arriving in Brisbane.
Initially operating from his family home at the corner of Grey and Hope Street, the company moved to Boundary Street in West End after the council requisitioned the original property for road improvements.
Tristram’s factory on Boundary St (Photo credit: triscofoods.com.au)
In July 1929, the Tristram family acquired the Boundary Street land. By January 1930, Thomas Tristram had engaged the renowned architects Atkinson, Powell, and Conrad to design a state-of-the-art factory. The Tristram soft drink factory operated until 1979, after which the business transitioned into Trisco Foods, now managed by the fifth generation of the Tristram family.
Transformation and Redevelopment
The former soft drink factory was transformed into the West End Market Shopping Centre during the 1980s. In 2001, Heritage Pacific redeveloped the site, creating a mixed-use major retail facility and residential apartments. The property changed hands in 2014 when SCA Property Group purchased it for $32 million.
The recent sale to the private investor marks another chapter in the Soda Factory’s storied existence, ensuring that this historic site continues to be a vital part of the West End community.
West End has a fresh face on the dining scene with the opening of Gum Bistro, an intimate 40-seat restaurant showcasing honest, produce-driven cooking.
Occupying the former Pasta Club space on Boundary Street, Gum Bistro is the creation of chef Lachlan Matheson and sommelier Phil Poussarts, both alumni of the acclaimed Pasta Club.
The reimagined space has undergone a brightening makeover with white-painted panels, pops of greenery, bespoke stamped napkins and local artwork lending a cosy, considered ambience. But the real star is the concise, MetCommets focused menu.
Matheson’s seasonal cuisine allows quality local produce to take centre stage, be it the textbook duck liver parfait with Riser sourdough or the cold squid salad with fennel, chicory, and lemon to start. Standout mains include the vegetarian-friendly vegetable pot pie and the crowd-pleasing sweet corn agnolotti pasta.
While expertly crafted cocktails named after guitar riffs are available, oenophiles will be eager to explore Poussarts’ curated wine list during their visit. The experienced sommelier has sourced an interesting array of rare finds and varieties during previous tenures at esteemed spots like Pilloni, Essa and Hobart’s Fico.
With its intimate, welcoming ambience, locavore sensibilities and intriguing wine program, Gum Bistro looks poised to become a West End dining destination for honest, flavourful cuisine. Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this hotspot.
Small business owners in Boundary Street, West End, are raising the alarm over the escalating antisocial activities in the area. They claim that the situation has deteriorated significantly since a safety summit convened five years ago.
Amidst the daily hustle of inner city life, these retailers are confronting a reality that threatens not just their livelihood but the very charm of West End. Despite previous promises for improvement, the community now faces a critical juncture demanding immediate action.
Following the safety summit led by Jackie Trad, a comprehensive report by Urbis in 2019 outlined several recommendations to curb anti-social behaviour along Boundary Street. However, traders express frustration over the need for more implementation of these suggestions.
Promised enhancements in lighting, surveillance, and policing have yet to materialise, leaving business owners to fend for themselves against an increasing tide of shoplifting, vandalism, and public disturbances.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Day-to-Day Challenges for Retailers
The daily trials faced by the traders of Boundary Street paint a grim picture of their current reality. Shoplifting has become so commonplace that thieves blatantly showcase stolen items to shop owners.
Incidents of vandalism and public indecency, including the presence of vomit, urine, and even faeces on the shopfronts, have become routine challenges that tarnish the area’s reputation. These issues have escalated to the point where some business owners, who have served the community for decades, claim it’s the worst they’ve ever seen.
A veteran shopkeeper, boasting over three decades of experience and representing a business with a legacy spanning over 70 years in West End, expressed unprecedented concern over the current state of affairs. The individual highlighted a reluctance to voice these issues publicly due to fear of backlash and accusations of racism on social media platforms. This fate befell others who spoke up.
The shopkeeper lamented the frequency of shoplifting incidents, now a thrice-weekly ordeal, describing the situation as disheartening. Previously committed to after-hours work for cleaning and administrative tasks, the individual now feels too intimidated to do so, citing recent alarming episodes during capoeira training sessions at Kurilpa Hall. Efforts to solicit police assistance were met with responses indicating a need for more available officers or timing outside of operational hours.
The shopkeeper raised a poignant question about the future trajectory of West End should the current trends persist.
Similarly, Wayne Shay, proprietor of Shays Shoes, a family-run establishment since 1901, echoed these sentiments, noting the absence of previously promised safety and lighting improvements. Shay observed a decline in the local crime situation over the last five years, underscoring a growing concern among the business community in West End.
The Queensland Police Service online crime map showed that in the past six months, there have been 53 good order offences, 84 property damage reports, and four offences against a person in West End.
Photo Credit: QPS
Community and Police Response
In response to the outcry from West End’s business community, local leaders and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) have voiced their commitment to addressing these concerns.
The QPS highlights its efforts to deploy designated officers and patrols within the area while emphasising its focus on crime prevention and community engagement.
The West End police station organises specific patrols on foot, by vehicle, and by bicycle along Boundary Street and throughout the West End area. Furthermore, the community can request the deployment of a Mobile Police Beat to a location of their choosing when necessary.
Meanwhile, Greens Councillor Trina Massey underscores the importance of community outreach and service provision as fundamental approaches to combating the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.
One of her initial measures as a councillor, when she assumed office in 2023, was to obtain the necessary funds to improve the kiosk in People’s Park. She explained that the kiosk’s refurbishment is expected to enhance outreach to the community and better equip service providers to assist those facing hardships. According to research, the most effective crime prevention method is ensuring all community members have access to stable accommodation and sufficient food.
Ms Massey expressed eagerness to convene with West End community groups, the local business association, service organisations, and other vital parties to explore collaborative solutions for Boundary Street’s future.
The head lease of Archive Beer Boutique, a pioneer in the craft beer market in Brisbane, has been put up for sale. Aushotel Group has appointed CBRE to steer the deal of this landmark West End pub.
This is an opportunity for a new operator to make a mark in the ever-evolving craft beer market for the long term. The sale comes with a full, commercial late-trading liquor licence and the chance to build three bottle shops within 10 kilometres of the site.
Archive Beer Boutique is on Boundary Street and has thrived in this premier location for more than a decade. CBRE’s Paul Fraser said that the pub’s location, size and scale, and long tenure could easily generate interest from investors. The pub sits opposite West Village, which is undergoing urban renewal.
Photo Credit: Ezi Digital Australia/Google Maps
The pub also enjoys a loyal following, even amidst a global crisis, and the hospitality industry has to adjust and adapt to the new normal. Fraser said that the vendor of the property has been looking to enjoy semi-retirement and offload his assets as the hospitality sector bounces back from COVID-19.
Aushotel Group’s managing director, Jim Davies, said that Archive continues to be a “volume driver for many craft brands” even as different craft brews have been setting shop in Brisbane.
Archive Beer Boutique spans 1,419 square metres and was recently renovated with a main restaurant on the ground floor and a Loft Bar for functions and evens on the second floor.
