One of Essendon's favourite new grocers is turning one, and it's throwing the neighbourhood a party to mark the occasion. And we will be there to celebrate.
The Happy Apple, the independent grocer known for its beautifully curated fresh produce and premium-but-approachable feel, opened its fourth store on Mount Alexander Road in Essendon a year ago. Since then it's become a go-to for locals after fresh produce, artisan bread, flowers, specialty groceries and a decent coffee, all in a space that manages to feel both contemporary and genuinely neighbourhood-y at once.
Now the Essendon store is celebrating its first birthday over the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with a full program of tastings, giveaways and instant-win prizes for anyone who pops in. And we are excited to celebrate with locals at this fine grocer of note.
A Store Built for Browsing
Walk into The Happy Apple Essendon and it's immediately clear this isn't your average grocer. The fitout is bright and airy, with produce displayed like it belongs in an art gallery for its presentation. There's a wine selection worth lingering on, a flower counter that makes an impulse buy easy to justify, and a coffee bar for when the shop turns into a browse rather than a quick errand. It's the kind of store that rewards considered shopping rather than just a dash down the aisle.
What's on Over Birthday Weekend
Across both days, the Essendon team will be running tastings from more than a dozen producers and brands, giving shoppers a chance to sample some of the best small-batch and artisan products on the shelves. Look out for:
- Farro Pizza
- Baker Bleu
- Pidapipó
- D'affinois Cheese
- The Olive Branch
- Melbourne Chocolate
- Kilikanoon
- Corryton Burge
- Zoncello
To be honest these are some of my favourite brands and producers. It's a solid excuse to try before you buy - and a good way to discover a few new favourites for the pantry.
Goody Bags for the First 150 Customers, Each Day
If you're planning your visit, it pays to get there early. Each day of the birthday weekend, The Happy Apple is giving away 150 goody bags, valued at more than $50 each, to the first 150 customers who spend $50 or more in-store.
The bags are packed with treats from some of the grocer's favourite brands, including:
- Honest Eggs
- Backhaus
- Eoss
- Mary's Crackers
- Serious Popcorn
- True Dates
- Nuffin
- Pepe Saya
- Plus fresh fruit
That's 300 goody bags up for grabs across the weekend in total - first in, best dressed.
Plus a Spin & Win
On top of the tastings and goody bags, there'll be a Spin & Win running throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday, giving shoppers another chance to walk away with something extra.
The Details
- What: The Happy Apple Essendon's first birthday celebrations
- When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
- Where: The Happy Apple, 995 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon VIC 3040
- Highlights: Tastings from 12+ producers, 150 goody bags per day (min. $50 spend, first 150 customers), Spin & Win
Whether you're a regular or you've yet to make it in, birthday weekend is a great time to experience what's made The Happy Apple Essendon such a welcome addition to the neighbourhood - and to walk away with a bag full of good things while you're at it. Get on board. #ad