Tell us about BLAKEAWAY – what is your mission, and how does it align with the values of 101 Collins?
BLAKEAWAY makes high-quality, chef-prepared food convenient for busy people. Our meals are made fresh daily in our commercial kitchen and are ready to heat, serve or gift no prep required. At 101 Collins, we support professionals with fast, well-executed solutions, whether it’s lunch on the go, a gift for a client, or last-minute catering for a meeting. Like the building itself, we’re focused on quality, efficiency and presentation ensuring the everyday feels considered and elevated.
How does BLAKEAWAY deliver a unique experience for its clients?
We offer ready-made meals that are restaurant-quality but built for a fast-paced lifestyle. From grab-and-go lunches to last-minute entertaining solutions, we cover a wide range of needs with speed and consistency. Our in-house catering team also works closely with businesses to turn around corporate catering orders quickly often within hours. In the store, we can even organise same-day catering, making it easy for teams to host, meet or celebrate without the lead time.
How do you ensure that BLAKEAWAY’s offerings are tailored to meet the needs of professionals and businesses at 101 Collins?
Our food is designed to fit into the workday, quick to grab, easy to eat, and satisfying. We offer everything from protein-rich salads, warm bowls of soup to nourishing ‘heat & eat’ dinners and thoughtful snacks. For businesses, we provide flexible catering with fast turnaround times. Whether it’s an impromptu meeting or a boardroom lunch or office drinks, we can put together seamless last-minute catering. We also create custom gift hampers, either as one-offs or in bulk. Gift cards are available for staff going through a tough time, and we can even deliver beverages if someone’s forgotten a celebration. We’re here to make it easy to look after your team.
What is BLAKEAWAY’s philosophy when it comes to providing top-tier service and products?
We take a straightforward approach: quality food, thoughtful service, no shortcuts. We take enormous care in sourcing our product range working with best-in-class producers and prioritising local micro businesses wherever possible. That focus extends to everything we do, from how meals are prepared to how they’re presented and served. At 101 Collins, this translates into ready-made meals that are consistently high in quality, service that’s attentive but efficient, and catering that delivers whether it’s pre-planned or pulled together at the last minute.
How does BLAKEAWAY collaborate with 101 Collins tenants and businesses to foster a sense of community and collaboration?
We see ourselves as more than just a food provider - we’re a part of the 101 Collins community. Whether it’s collaborating on building-wide events, supporting tenant activations, or simply being a reliable daily stop for familiar faces, we’re here to add value. Rob, our store manager, knows most customers by name - often their regular orders too - and genuinely values building relationships with the people who work here. It’s that personal connection that makes BLAKEAWAY feel like part of the fabric of the building, not just a retail offering.
Can you give us an example of a recent success or partnership that highlights BLAKEAWAY’s ability to deliver exceptional results? What was the impact of this collaboration, and how did it align with the high standards of 101 Collins?
Our Mother's Day activation at 101 Collins was a recent success, offering curated gifting, pre-orders, and in-store hampers. We also supported several tenant offices with last-minute catering for internal events that week. That flexibility, paired with a premium product, has become one of our most valued strengths.
How does BLAKEAWAY contribute to the wellness and lifestyle of 101 Collins tenants? Are there any exclusive programs, services, or experiences you offer that help enhance the well-being of the community here?
We make healthy, balanced meals easy to access and quick to enjoy - ideal for busy workdays when time is tight but quality still matters. One tenant places a standing order each week for 20 salmon Niçoise salads, delivered directly to their office. It’s great value for $400 and a simple way to show the team they’re appreciated. It’s these small, consistent gestures that contribute to a positive workplace culture - and we’re here to make them easy.
Looking ahead, what exciting developments can we expect from BLAKEAWAY in the near future? How do you plan to evolve your services, and what’s next for BLAKEAWAY in terms of innovation and collaboration with 101 Collins?
We’re expanding our catering range, continuously bringing out new seasonal dishes and building in-store experiences like tastings and pre-order gift activations. We’re also working on adding more seating in-store to create a welcoming space for tenants to enjoy meals on-site. At the same time, we’re focused on making our last-minute corporate catering even more efficient, so teams at 101 Collins can rely on us when time is tight.
How does BLAKEAWAY incorporate sustainability into its business model, and how is that in line with the values of 101 Collins? What steps is BLAKEAWAY taking to ensure a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to its services?
By choosing ready-made meals from BLAKEAWAY, tenants reduce food waste - no excess leftovers sitting forgotten in the fridge. We use recyclable or compostable packaging, carefully plan our kitchen production to minimise waste, and partner with local suppliers to reduce freight and food miles. For catering, we prioritise efficient delivery, minimal packaging, and menus designed to avoid excess.
For those who are new to BLAKEAWAY, what would you say is the best way to get started and experience all that you have to offer? How can tenants or visitors to 101 Collins get the most out of their first experience with BLAKEAWAY?
Our mini-me packs and single-serve meals are a great way to try what we do without committing to larger packs. Visit our store at 101 Collins and try something - our team is happy to make a recommendation. For teams and businesses, we also offer an express catering menu and gifting solutions, all of which are available via phone or email with a quick turnaround. Once you try it, it tends to become part of the routine.
From thoughtful packaging to premium produce and a deeply personal approach to service, BLAKEAWAY is more than just a food offering, they’re part of the 101 Collins experience. Whether it’s your first visit or part of your weekly rhythm, they make it easy to eat well, connect meaningfully, and show appreciation for the people around you.
Visit BLAKEAWAY on Flinders Lane at 101 Collins.
