Chef collaborations star at MFWF 2023 at The Convenient Store

The Convenient Store, presented by 7-Eleven, makes a highly anticipated return to Melbourne Food & Wine Festival for 2023. A pop-up like no other, this unique destination will deliver an exclusive line-up of food and drinks from some of Victoria’s industry icons, including compelling collaborations and limited-edition products. 

This year, The Convenient Store presented by 7-Eleven will be housed at Federation Square, from Friday March 24 to Sunday April 2. 

The lively 120sqm space will sit prominently on the Federation Square forecourt, making it easy for city commuters and visitors to stop by to enjoy the moreish 7-Eleven product collaborations, a freshly ground coffee enjoyed as an affogato, delicious takeaway treats or even an icy after-work Slurpee Cocktail for patrons 18 and over.

Emma Metcalf-King, Head of Food at 7-Eleven, said: “We are passionate about food and are continuing to invest in creating bespoke products that provide our customers with delicious, quality options for food on the go. As foodies, we’re thrilled to be partnering with some of Melbourne’s best-known names in food at The Convenient Store in 2023, reflecting 7-Eleven’s focus on elevating the everyday convenience food experience.”

She continued: “From Victor Liong and Shannon Martinez’s creations for Johnny’s Deli, to exciting collaborations with talents including Adam D’Sylva, Tom Sarafian, Piccolina’s Sandra Foti, Alice Bennett from Miss Trixie and the Luther’s Scoops and Pie Thief teams, our carefully curated menu is set to surprise and delight. 

These inventive food and drink collaborations, months in the making, will headline The Convenient Store menu. They include: 

Johnny’s Deli x Victor Liong and Shannon Martinez. Hungry passers-by will be tempted by the range of Johnny’s Deli hot sandwiches, exclusive to select Melbourne 7-Eleven stores and toasted to order. The menu will include two Johnny’s Deli favourites – the Brekky Tortilla Wrap and Johnny’s Rueben - alongside two compelling creations crafted over months in collaboration with Johnny’s Deli head chefs and Melbourne chef icons, Victor Liong and Shannon Martinez. 

Martinez is the owner of Australia's most prolific plant-based business, Smith & Daughter, and her deli-sandwich special, The Shannon, showcases a standout plant-based schnitzel. Meanwhile, Liong – the mastermind behind renowned Chinese restaurant Lee Ho Fook, presents The Victor, with its delicious filling of spicy pulled lamb. The chefs’ exclusive recipes can now be enjoyed by all thanks to 7-Eleven and are available exclusively at The Convenient Store and select 7-Eleven stores for a limited time.

7-Eleven Banana Bread x Luther’s Scoops Ice Cream. The sustainable and seasonal Brunswick ice creamery serves up a 7-Eleven Banana Bread ice cream delight by Michelin-trained pastry chef, Christian Williams.

Johnny’s Deli x Pie Thief Rueben Pie. Created with Footscray’s favourite pie purveyors, this delicious collab fuses New York deli flavours with an iconic Australian recipe, as two bestsellers combine – the Johnny’s Deli Reuben and the Pie Thief Pie. 

7-Eleven x Tom Sarafian’s Ultimate Sandwich Spread. 7-Eleven challenged the renowned chef behind Melbourne’s buzzed-about Sarafian Hummus to deliver a custom curated sandwich spread that begs to be lathered on bread. 

7-Eleven Banana Bread x Adam D’Sylva. The culinary mastermind puts a delicious new spin on 7-Eleven’s iconic snack, via a recipe for fancy French Toast. The recipe card and banana bread can be picked up from The Convenient Store.

7-Eleven x Miss Trixie Tricked Up Cookie. Cake queen and social media sensation Alice Bennett of Miss Trixie has created the ultimate cookie, starring 7-Eleven’s new choc-coated lollies. Find them baked into the cookie dough and decorated on the tops of these Instagram-worthy treats. Exclusive to The Convenient Store. 

7-Eleven x Piccolina Coffee Ice Magic. Experience a coffee ice magic by Melbourne gelato artisans, Piccolina. Using 7-Eleven coffee beans, this chocolate coffee ice cream topping has you begging for more. 

7-Eleven x Nagambie Brewery & Distillery and Killik Handcrafted Rum. Each evening, The Convenient Store will offer Slurpee Cocktails for patrons 18 and over only, combining carefully selected flavours with local artisan spirits. Choose from Pine Lime with Killik Silver Rum, or Pink Creamy Soda with Nagambie’s 3608 Classic Dry Gin.

The Convenient Store drinks list will be rounded out by 7-Eleven’s famous freshly ground coffee, now with Fairtrade certified coffee beans. At the pop-up, 7-Eleven’s coffee can also be enjoyed as an affogato in the afternoons. Nearly 80 million cups of the freshly ground coffee are sold in Australia each year, and with cup recycling units in store and new paper cups with a lining and lid made from plants, each coffee is now more sustainable. Refreshing Slurpees and 7-Eleven’s smoothies and frappés will also be on offer at The Convenient Store all day to quench thirsts. 

The Convenient Store presented by 7-Eleven is open daily 8am to 8pm from 24 March to 2 April at Federation Square as part of Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Cocktails are available during Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 8pm for patrons 18 and over only.