MAdE Establishment Competitors

At Merivale, we aim to bring a little magic into the everyday. We are driven to deliver unique and memorable experiences to every person who steps into one of our venues. Owned and run by the Hemmes family for over 60 years, Merivale began as an iconic fashion house started by John and Merivale Hemmes. Merivale’s fashionable beginnings were soon followed by a venture into hospitality, opening a Thai tea café within their Sydney CBD fashion building in 1970. From here, Merivale’s hospitality roots were firmly planted. Merivale is now led by CEO Justin Hemmes, whose creativity and knack for pushing the boundaries has made Merivale what it is today. Hemmes has become a pioneer within the Australian hospitality industry, growing the ever-expanding Merivale portfolio to over 90 brands and venues.

The Grounds is built on the philosophy of creating experiences for communities through quality products, innovations and an ever-evolving vision. Located in a former industrial precinct from the 1920s, The Grounds of Alexandria opened in 2012 and houses a landmark coffee roastery, café, restaurant and bar, animal farm and garden. Our Alexandria location has become renowned as one of Sydney’s must-visit locations, having earned the title of the 7th most Instagrammed place in Australia for 2016. The initial vision was born from entrepreneurial duo Ramzey Choker and Jack Hanna who had the vision to turn the then industrial concrete car park into a thriving urban sanctuary, designed as a welcoming space to bring people together. In June 2017 a second location was introduced to Sydney’s CBD, The Grounds of The City. Nearly three years in the making, this coffeehouse-inspired inner-city hub was designed to transport guests back to an era of old-school charm and reignite the heart and soul of the city. The City offers a world-class experience grounded by warmth and old-fashioned charm. It's a haven from the office, a hub for heart-to-hearts and a magnet for the style set.

Australia and New Zealand's leading speciality cake and desert franchise system. With just on 200 stores, most of which are franchised the company also operates an ingredients distribution business and related food manufacturing facilities. The Cheesecake Shop brand is differentiated by its range of speciality cakes and deserts which are baked fresh at each store using standardised processes and recipes to ensure a consistent quality standard. Recent innovations include the development of a range of 'Special Celebration' wedding cakes and the like as well as a range of smaller everyday treats designed for impulse purchase. The company has recently announced a brand refresh initiative that will see stores progressively updated with a fresh and modern new look, over the next three years.