Jack & Co Marketing, Author at Jack and Co Food Stores

Jack & Co Wins Big: Australia’s 2025 Independent Convenience Store of the Year & Overall Convenience Store of the Year

Community, Jack & Co News / Jack & Co Marketing / March 30, 2026

We’re absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news: Jack & Co Northwood has been crowned both the 2025 Independent Convenience Store of the Year and the 2025 Overall Convenience Store of the Year at the prestigious AACS Awards. 🎉

This is a monumental moment for our business, our team, and our community—and we couldn’t be prouder.

Public recognition has already begun flowing across the industry, with AACS and partners publicly congratulating Jack & Co Northwood for taking out both national titles, calling it a “well‑deserved win” and a testament to our innovation, leadership, and customer experience.

A Win Built on Community, Coffee & Customer Experience

These awards celebrate the best in the Australian convenience retail industry, and for us, they validate everything we’ve been working toward: redefining what a convenience store can be.

From day one, our goal at Jack & Co Northwood has been simple—create a neighbourhood hub where locals feel at home. Our award submission says it best: we’re not a service station with food; we’re a café-led, fresh-food market and modern convenience space built around community needs.

Every detail of Northwood was designed with purpose:

A Café-First Store Experience

Over 400 barista-made coffees served daily.
Heritage-inspired design, warm timber features and open prep areas.
A store layout that feels more like your favourite local café than a petrol forecourt.

Fresh Food, Made In‑House

Sandwiches, salads, bircher, fruit cups, smoothies and fresh OJ made onsite daily.
Over 38,724 oranges squeezed annually.
Our own bakery cart filled with croissants, donuts, muffins and slices.

Local, Boutique & Better-For‑You Range

More than 40% of our products come from small or local suppliers.

Convenience Powered by Innovation

Northwood embraces technology that enhances the customer experience while keeping the visit simple and seamless. From digital loyalty to flexible ordering options and modern payment solutions, our goal is to give customers faster, easier ways to enjoy Jack & Co.

People at the Heart of Our Success

Our team is what truly sets us apart. Every staff member plays a crucial role in creating the warm, welcoming experience Jack & Co is known for. We invest heavily in people, focusing on service, consistency and the “little things” that turn everyday visits into memorable moments.

Built With and For Our Community

Jack & Co Northwood reflects the needs of the community it serves. Our menu, product mix and in‑store experience evolve continually based on feedback, local trends and customer habits. This community‑first approach has helped us earn the trust and loyalty of locals who visit us regularly.

AACS Recognition: Why It Matters

The AACS Awards are the highest honours in Australian convenience retail, celebrating excellence across innovation, service, store design and customer experience.

Winning both major national categories highlights that Jack & Co Northwood is not just performing well—it’s setting a new benchmark for what convenience retail can be.

Thank You to Our Community

To our incredible team, loyal customers and supportive suppliers—this achievement belongs to all of you.
We’re grateful every day for the chance to serve our local neighbourhood, and this recognition inspires us to keep lifting the standard for convenience retail in Australia.

Jack & Co Wins Big: Australia’s 2025 Independent Convenience Store of the Year & Overall Convenience Store of the Year Read More »

Swapping Textbooks for Flat Whites: Year 11 Students Get a Taste of Real Business

Community, Jack & Co News / Jack & Co Marketing / June 18, 2025

Year 11 students visiting Jack & Co in Taree

There’s learning in a classroom… and then there’s real learning. Last week, a bunch of bright Year 11 Business Studies students got a fresh take on their studies when they ditched the whiteboards and headed out on an inspiring excursion to Jack & Co and The Dairy at John’s River. Safe to say, this wasn’t your average school day.

With notebooks in one hand and curiosity in the other, the students explored two thriving local businesses and saw firsthand what makes a business tick—from the ground up. From Jack & Co’s barista-made coffee and fresh-baked sandwiches to the hands-on, paddock-to-plate magic at The Dairy, the day brought classroom theory to life in the best way possible.

The timing couldn’t have been better. These future founders are just kicking off their Major Project, where they’ll cook up business plans for new ventures in the Taree area. Getting up close with real entrepreneurs gave them more than just inspo—it gave them the fuel (and confidence) to dream big and think local.

A massive shoutout to our Taree Store Manager Jason for hosting the group and sharing the stories of hard work, resilience, and keeping it real in business made a lasting impact.

And of course, this day wouldn’t have happened without the support of the RIEP program, the organising teacher Mrs Houlahan, the awesome Erin Lute, and Kristy Trenchard for being there every step of the way.

At Jack & Co, we love seeing young people connect with local business—because when you mix fresh ideas with fresh coffee, there’s no limit to what you can create.

Stay tuned… Taree’s next big thing might just be brewing.

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Rainbow Warriors: Shining a Light on Ability, Not Disability

Community / Jack & Co Marketing / September 9, 2024

Rainbow Warriors is a local soccer club modified for young people with disabilities aged 5-25 years old to come play soccer and socialise with like minded people in a safe and respectful space surrounded by nothing but positivity and support. Rainbow warriors is fully run by a small group of amazing volunteers with the goal of wanting to make a difference in young people’s lives with additional needs within our community.

They play every Saturday morning for 1 hour before enjoying a sausage sizzle kindly donated by the community.

Rainbow Warriors is a safe space for these kids to gain lifelong friendships and gain social skills that are so important in life. Jack & Co are pleased to support the Rainbow Warriors by providing encouragement awards to players at their annual presentation night.

To learn more about the club head over to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rainbow-Warriors-FC-100057753756049/

As we sat at Rainbow Warriors- “Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.”

Arthur Chan

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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Coffee Grind for Your Brewing Method

Coffee / Jack & Co Marketing / September 11, 2023

The importance of coffee grind for brewing

Are you tired of inconsistent coffee flavour or a bitter aftertaste? The secret to a perfect cup of coffee lies in the grind. Finding the right grind size for your brewing method can make all the difference in the world. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through the various coffee grinds and help you discover the one that suits your taste preferences and brewing equipment.

Whether you’re a fan of espresso, French press, or pour-over, each brewing method requires a specific grind size to achieve optimal extraction. We will explore the science behind grind size and extraction, giving you a deeper understanding of how they affect the flavor profile of your coffee.

From coarser grinds that let water flow freely and extract bold flavours, to finer grinds that slow down extraction, each grind size imparts its unique characteristics. We will also delve into the importance of consistency in grind size and methods to achieve it.

Get ready to master the art of coffee grinding and unlock the full potential of your favorite beans. Let’s embark on this journey to find the perfect coffee grind together.

Different types of coffee grinds

The grind size of your coffee beans plays a crucial role in the brewing process. It determines how much surface area of the coffee is exposed to water during extraction, which directly impacts the flavor and strength of your brew.

A finer grind size increases the surface area, allowing for greater extraction and stronger flavors. On the other hand, a coarser grind size reduces the surface area, resulting in a milder and less intense cup of coffee.

Consistency in grind size is equally important. Inconsistent grinds can lead to over-extraction or under-extraction, causing uneven flavor profiles and a lackluster brew. To achieve consistency, investing in a quality grinder and understanding the ideal grind size for your preferred brewing method is essential.

Finding the right balance between grind size and brewing method is the key to unlocking the full potential of your coffee beans. In the following sections, we will explore the different types of coffee grinds and their recommended brewing methods.

Understanding the brewing methods

Coffee grinds can be categorized into four main types: coarse, medium-coarse, medium, and fine. Each grind size is suitable for specific brewing methods and offers a distinct flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at each type:

1. Coarse Grind: This grind size consists of larger particles, resembling rough sea salt. It is typically used for brewing methods like French press and cold brew. The coarser grind allows water to flow freely through the coffee, resulting in a full-bodied and robust flavor.

2. Medium-Coarse Grind: With a texture similar to breadcrumbs, the medium-coarse grind is ideal for brewing methods such as Chemex or Clever Dripper. It strikes a balance between extraction and clarity, producing a clean and well-rounded cup of coffee.

3. Medium Grind: This grind size is often associated with automatic drip coffee makers. It has a texture similar to table salt and offers a versatile brewing option. The medium grind allows for good extraction without over-extracting, making it suitable for various brewing methods.

4. Fine Grind: Finely ground coffee resembles powdered sugar or sand. It is commonly used for espresso machines or Moka pots. The fine grind size slows down water flow, allowing for optimal extraction of flavours and creating a rich and concentrated brew.

Understanding the characteristics of each grind size is essential in determining the right one for your preferred brewing method. In the following sections, we will explore the recommended grind sizes for specific brewing methods and how they affect the flavour profile of your coffee.

Each brewing method requires a specific grind size to achieve the best possible extraction and flavor. Let’s dive into the details of the most popular brewing methods and their associated grind sizes:

Finding the Right Grind for French Press

French press brewing relies on a coarse grind size to achieve optimal extraction. The recommended grind size for French press is coarse, similar to rough sea salt. The coarse grind allows for a longer steeping time, resulting in a full-bodied and flavourful cup of coffee.

Finding the Right Grind for Pour-Over

Pour-over brewing is known for its clean and nuanced flavors. To achieve the desired taste, a medium-coarse grind size is recommended. The medium-coarse grind resembles breadcrumbs and allows for a balanced extraction of flavors.

Finding the Right Grind for Espresso

Espresso brewing requires a fine grind size to achieve the desired extraction. The fine grind allows for a slower water flow, maximising the extraction of flavours and creating a concentrated shot of espresso.

Finding the Right Grind for Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee requires a coarse grind size to extract flavors over an extended steeping period. The coarse grind allows for a slower extraction process, resulting in a smooth and less acidic cup of coffee.

Consistency is key, let us help you take the guesswork out getting the perfect coffee grind. Simply select your preferred coffee grind type and we will grind the coffee for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Coffee Grind for Your Brewing Method Read More »

Business Sustainable Practices

Sustainability / Jack & Co Marketing / November 8, 2022

At Jack & Co, we want to be a positive contributor to healthy outcomes for the planet through our business and all our operations. From how we serve our products, to how we treat our waste, our Sustainability Goals will drive the next decade of activities to ensure we leave a better planet for future generations.

How are we doing this?

Maximising food recycling through food diversion programs such as feeding the homeless in Sydney.

Redirecting left over bread to the cows in the Manning Valley.

Separating and recycling our waste where possible. Milk cartons are put in a separate bin and at our Pymble store the local school collects the milk bottle tops and creates “Planet Pens” from the plastic.

Phasing out all single use plastics. Using paper bags and encouraging customers to place multiple items in one bag.

Encourage customers to bring in their keep cups for hot drinks to reduce number of disposable cups.

Selling reusable shopping bags.

Minimising carbon pollution through installation of solar energy, replacing lighting with energy efficient alternatives and minimising power usage outside of trading hours.

Our Taree florist has started to use composable wrapping on her flower bouquets rather than cellophane that takes many years to break down.

Our high level Sustainability goals are to:

phase out all single use plastics by 2023
50% reduction in carbon use by 2030
80% reduction in landfill contribution by 2025
Carbon Neutral by 2035.

We are always looking at ways to make our business more sustainable and will update this blog as we find and implement new practices.

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Planet Pens – Recycling of bottle caps into pens

Sustainability / Jack & Co Marketing / October 31, 2022

At Jack & Co, we’re really conscious of our environmental footprint and have set ourselves sustainability goals to drive our actions in to the future. When the kids at the Northside Montessori School contacted us to ask for our used milk bottle lids, we were really delighted to hear that there was a new use for recycling of bottle caps into pens and help save the planet.

The Year 7 students at Northside Montessori school have been collecting milk bottle lids for couple of months at our Pymble store. The students have sorted the HDPE plastic lids, melted them, shaped them with a lathe and recycled them into pens. They have called their student run enterprise ‘Planet Pens’ with proceeds going to environmental charities and back into the business.

They also recently entered the Young Environmental Leaders category of the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards and were chosen as the winner from a simple concept of recycling of bottle caps.

Below is the video that the students put together as part of their award submission.

There is so much about this project that we love. Not only are the local kids repurposing waste by recycling of bottle caps into reusable goods, but they have shown their entrepreneurial spirit and donated the funds to Planet Ark. Well done!

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Jack & Co Supports Bathurst 1000 Supercars

Jack & Co News / Jack & Co Marketing / October 4, 2022

#Bathurst1000 here we come!!!

It’s official, now we can add Bathurst Supercar to the list of endeavours!!

Delighted to unveil the fastest supercar to be getting around Bathurst next weekend, complete with magnificent Jack & Co Food Stores branding!!!

Amazing story behind Matt Chahda Motorsport and Jay Robatham, who have received a “Wild Card Entry” into the biggest Motorsport race in Australia, Bathurst Supercars!

Our fuel partners at our Lane Cove store, Caltex Australia saw a great opportunity to support the team, creating the Caltex Young Stars and we’re thrilled to be involved!

There are so many young brands and businesses behind this car, not to mention a 19yr old driver – !! look closely and you’ll see @h8cancer number plates! A nice touch gents!

In our business’ 10years (10 this month ) we have a great history of supporting young guns in various aspects of sport and community life and this team from Albury NSW taking on the big guns aligns with our values so well!

Best of luck for next weekend lads!!

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Jack & Co Celebrates A Big 10 Years

Jack & Co News / Jack & Co Marketing / September 28, 2022

Ten years ago, Jack & Co founder, Wade Death thought the traditional convenience store model needed a shake-up. He was sick of stale soggy servo sandwiches and tasteless coffee. He saw overseas convenience stores were dishing up fresh tasty food and barista coffee and knew this was a gap in the Australian market. After working for a major fuel chain in his early career, he went about disrupting the convenience store model and Jack & Co was born.

Today, while most are still in bed, the team at Jack & Co are still prepping to deliver the freshest convenience food and hot barista coffee, the same way every morning they started 10 years ago. Founder Wade Death says “We’re not just proud of what we do, but what we stand for too”. All Jack & Co sandwiches are made in-store by the staff. “That’s our 100% handmade guarantee”.

He added, “We also have a history of getting behind local charities and sports teams, we’re boosting local employment and while we’re a small, independent, family run business born on the Mid North Coast, we want to make an impact in all the communities we spread too, no matter how far we reach.

After humble beginnings at their Taree Store, this month marks the 10^th Anniversary for Jack & Co. Whilst statistically most small businesses don’t survive the first 5 years, Jack & Co is going from strength to strength with 5 stores now open and growing across NSW with stores in Lane Cove, Northwood and Pymble. Over the last 10 years they have had over 15 million people come through the doors. They’ve whipped up at least 2 million sandwiches and many more fresh coffees.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our staff and customers. To celebrate our 10 years we want to say thanks with a 10^th Birthday $10K giveaway and new loyalty program including special offers and everyday discounts. We’ll be giving away free tanks of fuel and a major cash prize at the end of the month.” said Wade

“We want to thank our staff, customers and partners for sticking with us through it all. We truly value the 10 years of support you’ve given us and we look forward to serving you for many more.” concluded Wade.

Join the birthday celebrations by heading to a Jack & Co store during October for your chance to join in the birthday fun and check out our 10th birthday film to see how far we have come.

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Community Partnership : Saltwater Boardriders Club

Community / Jack & Co Marketing / August 17, 2022

The Midcoast Saltwater Boardriders Club is a grassroots sporting club based at Old Bar NSW who bring together over 100 members for monthly short board surfing competitions and community fundraising events.

The club operates monthly competitions from March to September each year and caters to kids from 4 years (Super Groms) up to adults of any age. They pride themselves on being a very inclusive club who welcome and support all members.

The club relies on community partnerships such as the one formed between Jack & Co to enable them to offer monthly prizes to division competition winners, maintain the upkeep for equipment required for the competitions as well as supporting junior members who may need to travel for competitions. In addition to the monetary support Jack & Co provides, we also provide BBQ supplies for their egg and bacon rolls at their monthly competition days.

Not only does this group bring together community members with a similar interest, but they also hold an annual fundraising day called the Kev Lee Memorial cup which raises funds for the Manning Based Hospitals Oncology unit. At their most recent event they raised over $3000 for the cause which is run in memory of their long term member and former president Kev Lee.

For local clubs, like the Saltwater Boardriders club, they rely on local sponsorship to encourage more members and so that participation is affordable and accessible for all. Jack & Co take pride in being a local store that supports local grassroots clubs.

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Variety Bash : Aaron Somers raises money for kids in need

Community / Jack & Co Marketing / August 16, 2022

Ever since Aaron Somers was a boy, he wanted to be part of the Children’s Charity Variety Bash. After facing a few health issues of his own in 2016, Aaron and his father decided they wanted to give back to a great cause and it seemed like a perfect way to do this whilst having a bit of fun. Variety is a Children’s Charity that has been helping to give children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability a fair go in life for nearly 50 years.

Aaron went in search of the perfect vehicle and found one located in Western Australia. Sight unseen, he took the plunge and bought the car to turn his dream into reality. Due to COVID restraints, it took over 4 months to get the vehicle relocated from WA to Taree, leaving only a few weeks to get the vehicle ready for the 6 day Variety bash event.

Aaron and his father worked many late nights to get the car in its best condition and collected every spare part they could find to take on the trip. They set off in May 2022 on the journey that started in Newcastle and headed to the Central West stopping at towns such as Dubbo, Cobar, Forbes, Wagga Wagga and back to the Hunter Valley.

They had one minor mishap when the car broke down due to a distributor problem… which happened to be one of the few parts they didn’t have. They were lucky enough to get a local mechanic to help them out and get back on their way to the next stop.

One of the highlights was doing the trip with his 72 year old dad who is already talking about doing the bash again next year.

Being part of the Variety Bash comes with many expenses including the purchase of the car, car parts, fundraising, fuel and accomodation along the way. Jack & Co was pleased to support Aaron with subsidising some of the fuel costs. We love to give back to locals who are making a difference and proud to support Aaron in the 2022 Variety Bash.

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Author name: Jack & Co Marketing