An “upmarket” Coles supermarket has shocked shoppers after revealing a unique in-store feature – and its competitors are failing to keep up.
The Coles Local in North Sydney has just launched a new build-your-own pasta bar, complete with over seven different sauces.
Shoppers can choose from four types of ravioli: portobello and porcini mushrooms, spinach and ricotta, meat and vegetables, or roasted pumpkin and grana padano.
Linguine and fettuccine variants are also available.
You can add mascarpone cheese, gourmet feta, fior di latte or choose another variety of cheese from the selection. There are also green olives, artichokes, fresh and marinated octopus, and more.
Shoppers are asked to use the packaging provided to select their fresh pasta, weigh it, and then pay at the counter.
“This gourmet pasta range is inspiring our customers in North Sydney and is available in 20 Coles Local stores across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland,” a spokesperson told FEMAIL.
‘The pasta is produced in Melbourne by Alligator Brand, a pasta manufacturer that has been making pasta for over three decades. They use only the finest products, such as free-range eggs and durum wheat semolina from Bellata, New South Wales, to create a delicious, high-quality pasta with great flavour.
The Coles Local in North Sydney has just launched a new make-your-own pasta bar
Shoppers can choose from four types of ravioli: portobello and porcini mushrooms, spinach and ricotta, meat and vegetables, or roasted pumpkin and grana padano.
‘The stuffed pasta also uses local and seasonal ingredients such as Wagyu from Victoria, fresh buffalo mozzarella and Manjimup truffles from Western Australia, as well as premium aged Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano from Italy.’
Coles Local stores are more upmarket than traditional grocery stores and act as a ‘neighbourhood hub’ for the community.
Shoppers can help themselves to warm bread from the bread warmer, gorge themselves on individual ice creams for the summer, and help themselves to mochi, macarons and ice cream cones for dessert.
Local Coles stores also have pet sections with treats for your furry friends.
Products sold in the store are designed to “meet the needs of local shoppers,” Coles said.
Another local store in Rose Bay opened its doors in 2020.
The venue also offers delicious treats, from premium sourdough bread and sweets from Sydney stalwart Sonoma to Southeast Asian delights from Roll’d and pastries from traditional French bakery Noisette.
Coles Local in Rose Bay has a station dedicated to mochi, macarons and ice cream cones.
Former Coles chief executive Steven Cain previously said the Coles Local format had been designed to appeal to local tastes and preferences.
“Customers want us to make their lives easier, and this store offers our customers the convenience of a supermarket with the variety of a specialty store,” Cain said.
The expanded convenience offering includes an extensive vegan and vegetarian variety, and more than 350 lunch and dinner options that customers can prepare in 30 minutes or less.