For most food-based concepts, a true testament of success is how far folks will travel to get their fill of your product. A sizeable portion of the clientele at both of Alison and Brett Hutley’s popular Botanica Real Food locations come from across the opposite side of the Brisbane River, and as Botanica’s profile has grown so has the vocal outcry from this percentage for a third location further south. Alison and Brett have long had plans for a southside location, though their commitment to building each store into a self-sustaining operation (alongside the demands of raising a young family) precluded the couple from pushing their schedule forward further than they were comfortable. In good news for Botanica’s die-hard southside followers, Alison and Brett are finally set to unveil their third location at Camp Hill Marketplace this weekend, Saturday July 6. Although several locations around Brisbane’s south appealed to Brett and Alison, their minds always floated back towards Camp Hill Marketplace. The thriving hub has seen an influx of Brisbane-born culinary concepts over the past couple of years, and it now boasts a shop directory filled with names such as Jocelyn’s Provisions, Flour & Bloom, Banneton Bakery and nodo. Each of these retailers aligned perfectly with Botanica’s philosophy – local small-scale operators that place quality and consistency in high regard.
Like its other locations, Botanica Real Food’s Camp Hill location is modestly sized, with a familiar crisp and homely aesthetic applied to the space’s interior. The shop is fitted out with the same cabinetry as its sibling spots – one capable of housing seven salad options at any one time, while a second glass cabinet will showcase a selection of sweet treats and savoury tarts. Equipped with only a dry kitchen, Botanica Camp Hill will receive regular deliveries of goodies made fresh in Teneriffe’s fully serviced production kitchen, which means visitors can expect to choose from the same menu of 17 salads available in town. One thing that Alison and Brett are particularly stoked on is the abundance of parking available at and near Camp Hill Marketplace. This means no more circling the block looking for a space, and more time to put towards making a decision on which salad (or three) you’ll be taking home.
Botanica Camp Hill will officially open to the public on Saturday July 6. For more information, head to the Stumble Guide.