A self-serve chip shop called Chip ‘n’ Mix has drawn large crowds to Hastings Street in Noosa, with demand so high the venue temporarily closed to restock.
Viral Launch on Hastings Street
Chip ‘n’ Mix opened on Hastings Street. It drew hundreds of people during its opening weekend. The concept, described by its founders as a world-first, allows customers to create custom chip bowls by selecting from three styles of chips and more than 40 toppings. Pricing is weight-based, set at $8 for 150 grams.
The business gained immediate traction on social media, with videos shared on Instagram and TikTok generating millions of views. One post alone reportedly reached four million views.
@chipnmixit Worlds first coming right here to Hastings street- are you ready Noosaaaaa? 🤍 💛 💚 🖤 #fyp #foodie #loadedfries #noosa #newbusiness #foodconcept ♬ Dance Now – Girl and Girl
Business Model and Setup
The founders—Rhi Pearce, Isabella Buckley-Tyree, Josh Leach, and Lisa Tyree—said the idea was based on a desire to create a chef-prepared, self-serve savoury food bar. The setup features hot and cold topping stations maintained by ceramic plates capable of regulating temperature from -80°C to 250°C.
The model mirrors the weight-based service used by nearby frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi, which operates just 200 metres away. Despite the similarities, the Chip ‘n’ Mix team emphasised key differences, including its focus on hot savoury meals.
Overwhelming Demand
The opening weekend exceeded expectations. Staff reported the shop ran out of stock multiple times and had to close temporarily to restock. The store remained clean and orderly despite the high foot traffic, with staff quickly refilling toppings and managing queues.
Free meals for the first 100 customers attracted further attention, while children, families, and teens made up the bulk of the customer base.
Future Expansion Plans
The team behind Chip ‘n’ Mix confirmed they plan to open two more locations in the next 12 months, with potential expansion outside Queensland. Although they’ve received offers to franchise, the founders intend to retain operational control of the business.
Published 15-Apr-2025