Latest news with #KingsCross
ABC News
31-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Wayside Chapel welcomed couples rejected by mainstream religion
For decades, Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross, Sydney has been a haven for people rejected by mainstream religious institutions. Its founder, the Reverend Ted Noffs, not only ministered to the marginalised, he performed marriage ceremonies for divorcees and couples of different faiths. Years before gay marriage was legalised, he even blessed same-sex relationships. Playwright and author Alana Valentine has long been fascinated by the stories of people wed by Wayside. Indeed, her own mother, Janice, was a "Wayside bride". "My mother was [first] married when she was 18," she tells ABC TV's Compass. "She was pregnant with me, and then she had another child, my brother. She was divorced when I was five." In an era when most Christian churches would've shunned Janice — as a divorced mother-of-two — the Wayside Chapel welcomed her second chance at love. As a child, Alana was present for the big day. But it took many years before she realised the radical nature of their union, and the strength of her mother in rebelling against the prevailing social norms. "I judged my mother for all the things that children want a mother to be, rather than really who she was," Alana reflects. "She would come to school events late, she wasn't dressed conservatively, like the other mothers, she would wear the latest Vogue creation. When I got home from school there was not, you know, food for me to eat. "It's only now that I look back and think, 'Wow she was fantastic.'" Alana spent years researching and chronicling stories of the Wayside weddings, which she dramatised into a play for the Belvoir St Theatre. For her, the Wayside Chapel's legacy is not just one of love and acceptance, but of social justice and change. "Let's not pretend it's just these weddings in Kings Cross with a kooky pant suit-wearing minister," she says, referencing Reverend Noffs' trademark outfits. The Sydney institution also holds a special place in Kumar Ponnusamy's heart. His Indian Hindu father wed his white Christian mother at the chapel, which was followed by a vibrant procession including the couple's pink-hued poodle. "Wayside was a very progressive place, it was the only place that would marry them," Mr Ponnusamy said. Despite the chapel's support, Kumar says both sides of his family were unhappy with the union. "Neither of my grandparents ether side went to the wedding, which was unfortunate," he says. "I suppose it was a time where the Indian side of the family expected Dad maybe to marry someone Indian, and Mum's side of the family maybe expected her to marry someone that wasn't Indian. This spirit of radical inclusivity is something that drew Alana Valentine to the story of Wayside and the Reverend Ted Noffs. "I became really interested in the intersection of where the church had actually had a history in Australia with social justice movements," she says. "We know that Ted was a great supporter of the Aboriginal Freedom Rides, we know that Ted advocated on behalf of gay people at that time when homosexuality was still illegal." When hard drugs hit Kings Cross in the 1970s, Reverend Noffs was a key figure supporting those in need. "Ted was all about harm reduction and prevention over punitive measures," Alana says. "The church didn't like it, because he was preaching this more social justice message. "They thought it should be more 'saving their souls' rather than 'saving their bodies'. [Ted] saw this as hypocritical." For Reverend Noffs, it was "unthinkable" to reject people who didn't conform to rigid expectations. Over the years, Reverend Noffs brought many to the chapel — not just for Sunday services, but for plays, musical performances, and conversations in the coffee house. Ursula Zuffo was one of many locals who admired the work of Reverend Noffs. "He loved seeing when two people were in love and he knew what we'd gone through to get there," she says. Like Alana Valentine's mother, Ursula was a divorcee who remarried at the chapel. Her partner Sergio — a Roman Catholic — didn't have family support. "Sergio's parents wanted nothing to do with an Australian girl," Ursula recalls. "They didn't wish to come to the wedding. They told him … this little Wayside Chapel was a dreadful little place and it wasn't suitable for their son to marry in. "But we just took no notice of that carry on, and we got married. It was wonderful." By the 1980s, Ted Noffs had married thousands of couples and continued to minister at weddings and naming ceremonies. But at the end of the decade, he suffered a massive stroke, and his wife Margaret Noffs took over at the Wayside. "We're not only doing it because of the vision, we're not only doing it because it's something we want to do, but we're all doing it for Ted, too," Ms Noffs said at the time. Rev Noffs died in 1995, but his children and grandchildren have continued his vision through the Ted Noffs Foundation. Jon Owen is now the CEO and pastor of the Wayside Chapel and, according to Alana Valentine: "The radical theology of marrying whomever you like for love is still very much on the agenda." The playwright has come to value her personal relationship with this iconic institution. "I'm so proud I have a connection to this part of our social history," Alana says. "I realised I'm one of those Wayside people who value community, value connection." For Alana, a queer person and member of the Uniting Church, the Wayside Chapel's legacy is a reminder of how far society has come. "The freedoms and acceptance we have now, they were hard won," she says. "And the radical change in our society is really driven by very courageous individuals. "I think the truth of that is something we really need to remember right now." Watch The Wayside Weddings on Compass tonight at 6:30pm on ABC TV, or stream now on iview.
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Aussies stunned by the price of Wingstop food in Sydney
A popular American fast food chain has raised eyebrows with its prices after it opened its first store in Australia. Wingstop opened its doors in the inner Sydney suburb of Kings Cross on Saturday, with lines extending down the street and people queuing for hours in a bid to try chicken wings, tenders and loaded fries. But, it was the price point of some of these items that had customers talking. For instance, a three-piece tender pack was $15.95, while a five-piece was $21.95. If you wanted to add chips and a drink, these prices rose to $21.95 and $27.95 respectively. Meanwhile, a six pack of boneless wings was $16.95 and a 10-pack was $20.95 — again without any drinks or sides. For a regular Voodoo fries — which is loaded which cheese sauce and cajun seasoning — it was $9.95. Popular food vlogger @c1ndyxie shared her view, saying; 'These prices are definitely American because three tenders were $15.95.' She joked she spent her entire hourly pay on the food she ordered, but in the end she gave an overall positive review of the dining experience. Wingstop Australia was asked about its prices. A spokesperson told 'Wingstop is a cooked-to-order, fast-casual dining experience, not fast food. Our generous portions made with 100 per cent Australian-sourced chicken, high-quality ingredients, and bold flavours set us apart. 'With 12 signature flavours and freshly made sides, we're proud to offer an experience that's unmatched in the market. The response over the opening weekend was unprecedented. 'We saw huge lines both Saturday and Sunday, and made sure to look after every guest waiting, handing out water, chocolate, merch, ponchos and umbrellas to keep the energy high. 'We're grateful for the love Sydney has shown us, and we're just getting started.' Another Sydneysider was stunned by the price of the chicken and chip shop. 'I tried it, it's expensive rubbish. I've tasted better,' they commented. Another added: 'I legit can't believe you paid $15 bucks for three tenders it's not rolled it gold it's just flour.' '$15.95 for three tenders is ridiculous,' one commented. Another social media user said: 'American food is so expensive girl.' 'Thank you for sharing the price, never trying this,' one person said. One social media user added: 'Yeah three tenders for $15 is robbery.' 'Three tenders for $15? Could buy a bag of tenders at Woolworths with that much,' another said. One person commented: 'Australia price is more expensive than America.' 'I'll wait til they down the price,' another said. One social media user added: 'I'm sorry three tenders for HOW MUCH.' However, despite the prices some people reported waiting up to seven hours over the weekend in a bid to try the American-based chain. Footage filmed in Kings Cross showed a long line of people snaking down Darlinghurst Road and around the corner onto Victoria Street. 'We're so excited to be launching today, the turn out has been incredible,' Locky Paech, Wingstop Australia's corporate operations director, told 'I walked all the way down the massive line chatting to people and they were all so hyped to get the first taste in Australia. 'Doors are officially open now, we're cooking.' Videos of the wild scenes outside the restaurant have sparked a lot of attention, with many expressing delight at the store's opening while simultaneously being horrified by the size of the queue to get in. 'That crowd is crazy,' one remarked on TikTok. But, despite the long queues and prices, many were over the moon at the experience. TikToker @FoodsForTwo features an American woman said it was even better than she remembered it being in Chicago. Meanwhile @ said; 'Holy sh*t. That is so fricken good. Look at that, insane,' after diving in.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why hundreds of Aussies are queuing outside little-known shop: 'Worth the hype'
Hundreds of diners have been queuing outside an unassuming shop in Sydney to be the first in the country to taste the wildly popular menu items. Wingstop, a US buffalo chicken wing fast food chain, has expanded into Australia, opening its first flagship store in Kings Cross over the weekend. The chain is best known for its sticky, sweet and spicy wings coated in 12 different flavours, seasoned fries and signature dipping sauces - including ranch and bleu cheese. Heavy rain and wind didn't deter Aussies, as more than 1,000 customers flocked to the new outlet on opening day on Saturday, with the line stretching down the road and around the corner. And the crowd on Sunday was no different, with hundreds braving the cold to wait in line - including some who stood in the queue for up to three hours. One fan, eager to get their hands on the famous wings, camped outside the store from 2am on Saturday - nine hours before the doors opened. 'I have been waiting for weeks for Wingstop to open. I walked past the store three weeks ago and saw the sign and have been hanging out to try it ever since,' the customer said. 'It exceeded my expectations, I'll be coming back again and again, especially for the hot honey.' A woman who was forth in line had flown all the way from Melbourne just to be part of Wingstop's launch. Those who were lucky to get a taste of the wings were impressed. 'Got a feed on launch day, despite the wait OMFG it was so worth it. Got the hot honey boneless pieces and lemon pepper boneless. I think I died and went to heaven. Will 100 per cent be coming back on the reg. Staff were legends too,' one raved. 'Best wings ever! Have been waiting forever for wing stop to get to Australia and it did not disappoint. Spicy Korean for the win,' one said. 'My best friend and I waited in the line for 45 minutes but we would have waited all day and night for Wingstop. That first bite of the Mango Habanero boneless wing was heaven - this is going to be a weekly ritual,' another added. Aussies who tried Wingstop overseas confirmed it tastes just as good Down Under. 'I was so scared that the ranch wasn't going to be as good as the US... but the Aussie one is so much better. The wings are amazing - the ranch dip, the flavours, the tang, the spice! I already have mad cravings for it again. Definitely worth the wait and hype 11/10,' one shared. 'The first time I had Wingstop I was in the US and have been dreaming of it coming here ever since. Louisiana Rub is where it's at! And I can't get enough of their ranch sauce, it's a must try,' another revealed. 'I've been waiting for this for so long. I had Wingstop back in the Philippines. Now it's here in Kings Cross where I live, too. Garlic Parmesan is one of the best. The ranch sauce is a must. Once you order wings, you have to have the sauce,' one added. The launch in Sydney is just the beginning for Wingstop, with more than 100 locations planned to roll out across Australia in the coming years. Loved for its classic and boneless wings and tenders - all hand sauced-and-tossed in bold flavours - the brand is set to become a nationwide craving. The 12 wing flavours include Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Louisiana Rub, Spicy Korean Q, Mild, Hot Honey Rub, Cajun, OG and Mango Habanero, with Atomic taking the hottest spot. The menu features signature sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips.
News.com.au
17-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Massive queues envelop Sydney as cult US restaurant chain opens first ever Aussie store in Kings Cross
Insane lines have built up as foodies race to get their hands on a taste of a cult US restaurant chain roosting down under for the first time. Wingstop opened their new flagship store in Kings Cross on Saturday – with a queue wrapping around the block during Sydney's bout of miserable weather. It marks the first store in Australia for the buffalo-style chicken wing giant, which was founded in 1994. Customers can be seen donning puffer jackets amid the brisk temperature, in a bid to become one of the first 500 guests who would receive free samples from the restaurant's exclusive menu upon opening. Wingstop became a certified heavy-hitter in the fast food industry thanks to its popular food offering – with the chain now boasting over 2563 stores in the world. 'We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavour business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavour since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started,' Wingstop's investor toolkit reads. '1997 saw the opening of our first franchised Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It's flavour that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry. The company has recorded 21 consecutive years of sales growth and currently trades for $321.08 on the NASDAQ. Founded in Texas, Wingstop offer 12 different flavours, ranging from lemon pepper to the extreme 'atomic' seasoning, which uses habanero peppers. A Wingstop spokesperson said the opening of the Australia store represented the company wanting to 'satisfy the flavour demands' of Australians. 'Wingstop has big plans for Australia, and we're excited to see how fans embrace our flavour,' the spokesperson said.
News.com.au
17-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Crazy' footage of crowd at 9am as US chain opens first store in Aus
At 9am on a Saturday morning, the last thing you probably want to eat is fried chicken. But a group of eager Aussies have shunned avocado on toast and have been waiting in line for over 2 hours in order to be among the first in the country to taste Wingstop. The cult-US chain just opened its doors in Sydney, and boy have Aussies turned out in massive numbers to get their gobs around the brand's infamous chicken wings. Footage filmed in Kings Cross shows a long line of people snaking down Darlinghurst Road and around the corner onto Victoria Street. 'We're so excited to be launching today, the turn out has been incredible,' Locky Paech, Wingstop Australia's corporate operations director, told 'I walked all the way down the massive line chatting to people and they were all so hyped to get the first taste in Australia. 'Doors are officially open now, we're cooking.' Videos of the wild scenes outside the restaurant have sparked a lot of attention, with many expressing delight at the store's opening while simultaneously being horrified by the size of the queue to get in. 'That crowd is crazy,' one remarked on TikTok. 'Waiting in line for 2 hours was so worth it,' another declared. The swell of chicken-eaters comes just weeks after Wingstop announced it was opening its first restaurant Down Under, kicking off the American company's expansion plan across Australia and New Zealand with 100 new restaurants. 'There's never been a better time to bring Wingstop to Australia,' Steve Kehl, Country Manager at Wingstop Australia, told last month. 'The response so far has been phenomenal, Aussies are already buzzing about what's coming. 'We've tapped into a massive appetite for bold, flavour-first food and an experience that's anything but ordinary.' News of Wingstop's Aussie launch spread like wildfire across social media, with some even flying in from other states, only to discover it wasn't open yet. Popular food vlogger Nectro Vlangos, best known for his reviews as @nectoriouspapi on social media, said Aussies 'love US food chains' and would undoubtedly get behind Wingstop Down Under. 'Who doesn't love a good chicken wing? The reason people rave about Wingstop is the different variety of flavours and seasonings available,' he told 'My favourite is the lemon chicken, but there are 9 different flavours. They also have great dipping options too.' It's not the first time Wingstop has tried to open in ANZ. The chicken wing experts announced in August 2017 it would be opening its first franchise in Brisbane in 'the first half of 2018' as part of an expansion that would see '110 locations open in Australia and New Zealand over 10 years'. However, the project – a collaboration with John Bridgeman Limited – didn't come to fruition.
