Latest news with #Spudshed
West Australian
4 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Fat Cat hits the South West to raise money for Telethon at grand opening of the Bunbury Spudshed
The grocery store aisles were packed this week as Fat Cat and the Spud King walked through Bunbury's newest supermarket. Fat Cat hit the South West last week to raise money for Telethon alongside Tony Galati at the grand opening of the Bunbury Spudshed. Opening it's doors on May 29, the new store saw hundreds of shopping make their way down the aisles to browse the selections while the crowds outside enjoyed sausage sizzles and selfies drumming up donations for Telethon. The new store is set to deliver farm-fresh produce straight from Galati family farms to Bunbury, open 24/7. Founder of Spudshed and potato monarch Tony Galati said the opening went 'really well' and likely raised thousands for Telethon, with past store openings often raising more than $40,000. 'We always try our best,' Mr Galati said. 'We support telethon every year, and what we have done here is provided a bag of potatoes — four kilos for a dollar — and all the proceeds go to telethon.' Mr Galati said he was happy to be part of Bunbury and proud of the staff who have set up the colossal new store. 'The people at the out here are great,' he said. 'I'd like to thank all the people from Bunbury that have come down to support us, and we'll be open 24 hours from now on and have these great specials to make food affordable.'
Perth Now
03-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
‘Crazy cheap' supermarket to open in WA city
Kalgoorlie-Boulder will benefit from Spudshed's 'crazy cheap' produce in coming months following a surprise expansion announcement from the family-run supermarket chain. Spudshed owner Tony Galati confirmed on social media on Thursday that the independent supermarket chain would open in Kalgoorlie-Boulder within three months. 'I've got some really exciting news on behalf of myself, my family, and all my staff,' he said in the video. 'I'm hearing the voices out there that you want us to come to regional areas and we've targeted Kalgoorlie. 'We are coming to Kalgoorlie very soon. So, look out guys, we will be there in the next two to three months. 'I'm excited to bring you the crazy cheap prices that Spudshed is known for. 'Stay tuned. Kalgoorlie, we will see you soon.' Tony Galati holding up bags of potatoes at Spudshed. Credit: RegionalHUB This came after an earlier social media video on April 22 where he teased he might 'surprise' the community when asked if he was opening a local shop. Kalgoorlie-Boulder mayor Glenn Wilson said this announcement was a 'notable outcome' for the city. 'The city has been in discussions with Mr Galati and the Spudshed team for a number of years — as far back as 2018— and we're excited to see this vision become a reality,' he said. 'We are fortunate to have established, community-focused fresh produce providers who proudly offer WA products. 'The decision of another respected brand to invest here is a strong vote of confidence in our city. 'The economic investment and job opportunities that come with this new store are a welcome boost for our community and shows that Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a great place to invest, live, and work.' The move represents the furthest expansion away from the metropolitan area for the business, which is expected to open a store in Bunbury later this month. In 2018, Tony Galati told the Kalgoorlie Miner he had visited the town and was 'eyeing off' an expansion to the city, but not for a few years. The recent announcement comes two years after German discount supermarket giant Aldi pulled the plug on its plans to open in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Aldi brought the site of the old Kmart and Coles building on Brookman Street from Harbig Properties in 2021 with plans to build the supermarket on one half, and selling the other half to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. But in June 2023 it was confirmed by then-mayor John Bowler that Aldi had pulled the plug due to inflation making it less cost effective for the supermarket to maintain its Australia-wide pricing policy.
Perth Now
22-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
WA personalities Twiggy, Galati ‘privileged' to meet Pope
As the world comes to terms with the death of Pope Francis, some high-profile WA people lucky enough to meet the Pontiff recalled their encounters with the religious leader. Mining magnate Andrew Forrest met the Pope in March 2014 and said he left behind a legacy as one of history's most powerful voices influencing the abolition of modern slavery. 'His unrelenting leadership in the fight against modern slavery will pave the way for those who come after him as we strive to stamp out this most wicked form of abuse of our fellow humans. For this, I am eternally grateful,' he said in a statement via the Mindaroo Foundation. 'Indeed, Pope Francis further broke the mould with his clear and unequivocal stance on the science of climate change, viewing it as a moral issue and repeatedly calling for urgent action from world leaders. It would have been far easier for His Holiness not to take up this fight – a fight that will prove to be humanity's greatest – but he was a man of courage and character.' Spud king Tony Galati met the Pope during a visit to the Vatican in October last year, where he got to shake his hand and say hello. The Spudshed boss wanted to meet the Catholic leader on behalf of his mother, who was 'really religious' and sadly passed away five years ago. 'It was quite an experience to see because he was very sick. I wasn't too sure he was going to come out, but he made the effort. And it was just amazing to see this man talk to everybody and acknowledge everybody,' he told ABC Radio. Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest shakes hands with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Credit: GB / AP 'It was just amazing to be in his presence. 'I looked up and said, 'I did it for you, Mum'.' Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, who travelled to the Vatican in May last year for a global energy and climate summit, felt privileged to meet the Pope. 'I will always remember his soft hands, warm smile and his acknowledgement of Perth and the long distance I had travelled to be there,' Mr Zempilas said. Basil Zempilas meeting Pope Francis/ Credit: Basil Zempilas / Supplied 'He had an amazing aura. It's a brief meeting I will forever remember.' And no stranger to the Pope's 'good sense of humour' is Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costello who has met him at least five times, most recently in October last year. 'When he speaks to you, you can see that he's interested in what you're saying,' he said. 'He's strong but gentle and has a great sense of humour, so there are some really, really good memories for me.'
