Australia’s fresh-food café brand launches its first dual-lane drive-thru in Epping as part of a national growth push
- Soul Origin opens its first drive-thru restaurant in Epping, Melbourne.
- The drive-thru features two ordering windows and kiosk options.
- A Sydney franchisee has relocated to operate the new store.
Soul Origin has opened its first drive-thru restaurant in Melbourne’s Epping suburb, introducing a fresh twist on quick dining. Known for its wholesome, made-to-order meals, the Australian café chain is expanding beyond its traditional in-store service model to meet rising demand for convenience without compromise. The new site includes two drive-thru lanes, dual ordering windows, self-service kiosks, and a walk-in counter, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and accessibility.
Co-founder Hao Quach said the project took two years of detailed research and development before reaching the right balance between speed, efficiency, and quality. “Epping was a strategic choice,” he explained. “The location offers strong visibility, sits near an industrial hub, and is only minutes from Epping Shopping Centre.” The site is operated by a Sydney-based franchisee who relocated after more than a decade with the company to lead this milestone launch.
To accommodate the drive-thru format, Soul Origin upgraded its kitchen operations with high-powered ovens and larger prep areas designed to support faster service while maintaining freshness. The full menu is available throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. “We have focused on delivering a quicker service and have set ourselves a challenge of a four-minute wait time from the moment you place your order,” Quach said.
After eight months of testing that included community events and mock trials, the Epping location is now fully operational. The brand is using insights from this pilot to refine systems and training for future drive-thru sites, with another opening planned for mid-2026. This measured rollout underscores Soul Origin’s intention to scale responsibly while preserving the personal, made-to-order experience that built its reputation.
The move into drive-thru service marks a pivotal shift for Soul Origin and for the wider fast-casual category in Australia. It signals that fresh, handcrafted food can compete on both quality and convenience. For franchisees, it presents a model that blends traditional hospitality with modern operational speed, offering a blueprint for how health-focused brands can thrive in the competitive quick-service landscape.
Key Facts:
| First Drive-Thru | Soul Origin's inaugural drive-thru restaurant is located in Epping, Melbourne. |
|---|---|
| Franchisee Relocation | A long-term Sydney franchisee moved to Epping to manage the drive-thru. |
| Operations Testing | Eight months were dedicated to trialing the new drive-thru operations. |
| Dinner Orders | The drive-thru allows customers to place dinner orders from the full menu. |
| Wait Time Goal | Soul Origin aims to achieve a maximum four-minute wait for orders. |
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