When Avalon McRae went on her first date with rugby league player Jack Gosiewski, she not only fell for him but also for the roast chicken and chips from Chargrill Charlie’s, sparking a love affair that followed them from Sydney to Brisbane. After moving north and missing their regular Charlie’s fix, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands – ultimately opening Queensland’s first Chargrill Charlie’s on Merthyr Road in New Farm in 2025. With a loyal following in New South Wales and Victoria, the brand’s appeal lies in its fresh, daily-made menu featuring charcoal chicken (cooked in a patented clean rotisserie), a rotating selection of up to 15 salads, burgers, rolls, sides like mac ’n’ cheese and pad Thai, and even desserts. Avalon believes in the food and the community-first ethos behind the franchise, with each store locally owned and operated. The New Farm outpost offers both takeaway and dine-in with 44 seats, and plans are already in motion to expand to West End and Bulimba in 2026.