David Jones has overhauled the Lower Ground Food Hall at its Elizabeth Street flagship in Sydney, in partnership with hospitality operator Create Catering.
The new precinct brings together eight distinct eateries. The move signals a deliberate push by the department store to position its food offering as a destination in its own right, rather than a convenience play.
Create Catering founder and managing director Anthony Whitehouse said the partnership was built around the idea that premium dining and retail could coexist without feeling predictable.
"The Food Hall represents everything we believe in – that premium dining doesn't have to mean predictable," he said. "We've built eight eateries that each have their own identity, their own story and their own reason to come back for more."
David Jones buying manager Amesbury Hagan welcomed the relaunch: "We’re excited to welcome guests back to a revitalised David Jones Food Hall, where diverse flavours and fresh delights come together once again."
The dining options include Pan Divino City, a city-format offshoot of the Surry Hills Italian restaurant led by Head Chef Adam Bryce; Wok Bar, serving live-cooked Asian dishes; Good Bagel; Swirl, focused on cinnamon scrolls and specialty drinks; Retro Roast, a nod to the department store food halls of the 1970s; Pizzeria; Celebration Cake Bar; and Cool Press Juice Bar.
This expansion follows recent concerns about David Jones’ balance sheet, following media reports that the department store was late on supplier payments and was working on a $150 million refinancing deal.
On top of this, recent reports are sharing further concerns about David Jones being late to file its financial report to ASIC.
A spokesperson at Anchorage Capital Partners, the managing company of David Jones, said the overarching company backs the department store “100 per cent” and is fully committed to its long-term success.
“As patient, long-term investors, we are very pleased with the strong progress we are making in transforming this iconic Australian brand under our Vision 2025+ strategy,” the spokesperson said.
“We have already committed $250 million to store refurbishments, business modernisation, and enhanced customer experiences — and our suppliers have been outstanding partners throughout this journey.”