Sydney sandwich star Kosta’s Takeaway is coming to Gasworks Plaza
Kosta’s Takeaway, the Sydney sandwich spot known for elevating humble classics with restaurant-style technique, is heading north. The brand will open its first Brisbane location at Gasworks Plaza, where it will deliver big flavours with a detail-focused approach. Brisbane can expect schnitty sangers and tuna melts, plus a handful of Newstead-exclusive specials.
If Brisbane’s sandwich renaissance has taught us anything, it’s that the sky is the limit when it comes to both sambo versatility and quality.
Few operators know this better than Sydney-born Benjamin Terkalas, whose sandwich-centric concept, Kosta’s Takeaway, is a bricks-and-mortar avatar of this very ideal.
“We’re very chef-driven,” says Benji, who founded Kosta’s in the front office space of a Rockdale panel beater in 2021.
“You go to a beautiful restaurant and they put something beautiful on a plate. We have the same concept, but it’s in served between bread and it’s wrapped in paper.”
Kosta’s Takeaway will make its Brisbane debut later this month, with a brand-new, Queensland-first outpost undergoing the final stages of fit-out at Gasworks Plaza. The expansion marks the fifth location for the brand, which now boasts four sites across Sydney.
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“I enjoy going to Brisbane as a bit of a getaway and a reset,” says Benji. “And I then was like, ‘You know what? I want to do something here.’”
It’s an incredible growth rate for a concept as young as Kosta’s, but Benji believes that its popularity is simply a reflection of the tastes of consumers who are increasingly seeking out simple pleasures delivered at a high level.
“I think once people started eating the food they saw that [Kosta’s] was more than just a corner sandwich shop,” says Benji. “We only wanted to worry about making really good food and giving really good hospitality over a counter.
“Kosta’s is all about generosity – I’d say the food is very refined, but super generous. Everything is thought out.”
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Like its southern siblings, Kosta’s Newstead will look to wow tastebuds with classic recipes executed with restaurant-style techniques. Much of the behind-the-scenes process will be done in-house, from brining the chicken and crumbing the schnitzels to making the fermented chilli and signature sauces.
On offer will be Kosta’s classics like the fish sandwich, a schnitty sanger and a tuna melt, but Benji reveals that Adam Wolfers (previously of Gerard’s and Anyday) is consulting with the Kosta’s crew on a number of menu items you’ll only be able to get in Newstead.
“All of our venues have something that the others don’t have,” says Benji. “The classics will be there, but there will be some items that are exclusive to Brisbane.”
Beyond the sandwiches, Kosta’s will be pouring coffee from Canberra roaster Ona alongside some specialty drinks – think watermelon juice served with a slice of salty halloumi.
As for the space, well, as it says in the name, Kosta’s Takeaway is geared towards grab-and-go customers. That said, the venue will boast a small amount of seating for those eager to dine in. But why would you, when you have the Brisbane River within walking distance?
“It’s very small, but it’ll be very big on personality,” says Benji. “We like a small footprint, which allows us to just be big on food and customer service. Everywhere we are located, there are places nearby where you can go and enjoy the food and not just be at the venue.”
When Kosta’s Takeaway opens later this month, the team will celebrate with three days of giveaways, including free sandwiches, galaktoboureko doughnuts and coffees. Keep your eyes on the brand’s social media pages for updates on its official opening.