Burger Edge and Palermo Perfumes

Local family brings a Melbourne favourite to Docklands

Both have watched the Victoria Harbour precinct evolve from flat empty land into a skyline of corporate offices full of savvy professionals who enjoy eating lunch out of the office. As well as living and raising their young family in Docklands, they have now set out to build their business here as well – a double vote of confidence in the blossoming community.

Their primary business objective was to provide a quick-service restaurant, which serves up great food in a comfortable and friendly environment.

Before embarking in this, they researched several businesses and brands, looking for the right mix that would appeal to local tastes and wants.  In the end, they chose Burger Edge for the product taste, variety of burgers on offer and the brand synergy with the area’s developing style and appeal.

“In short, for me it was a simple choice – taste wins every time,” said Steve, a former chef and new Burger Edge franchisee.

Finding the right location wasn’t as simple. For 18 months, they evaluated several sites before identifying the right location under the Aurecon building on the corner of Collins and Merchant streets. Once secured, they needed to ensure it would be something special, and the in-store experience matched the quality of the burgers and service.

To achieve this, they added a mezzanine level to the floor plan to take advantage of the surrounding water views and buildings, further adding to the chic of the stylish fit out.

Being locals, Steven and Michelle are now eager to build Burger Edge as a business that appeals to both the professional sector and local residents.  Word of mouth and repeat business is at the forefront of their philosophy in building a successful eatery.

Getting the product and store design right is only the beginning. Serving up a great experience is what will assure them of business success.  They are looking forward to hiring locals and offering special deals for residents in and around the area.

“For too long, residents have been deprived of a great evening and weekend diner that is not fast food.  We will serve made to order burgers, wraps, chips and salads – using only fresh, quality ingredients.

“Who doesn’t like a fresh burger with the choice of either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage?” asked Michelle.

The last six years has been wonderful for Steve and Michelle. To be a part of the work in progress of the vibrant Docklands community, and now adding Burger Edge to it will only bring more vibrancy as a family friendly eatery offering great food and service.

Burger Edge opened its doors on Tuesday, October 15 and is located at 850 Collins St Docklands, near the corner of Merchant St.

Operating hours: 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9pm on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday trade will be coming soon. Phone orders ahead of pick up on 9629 8069.

Pefect perfumes at a perfect price

Ozlem owns and operates Palermo Perfumes at Harbour Town and is eager to assist every customer who walks through her door, makes an order online or attends a Palermo Perfumes party.

According to Ozlem, Palermo Perfumes stocks over 700 fragrances and, with so many choices, it’s easy to find your perfect fragrance.

When Docklands News visited Palermo Perfumes, Ozlem was busy helping a customer choose a new perfume by finding out what she normally wears and suggesting the equivalent in the Palermo range.

Palermo Perfumes are made in Melbourne using essences and essential oils purchased directly from the south of France. The fragrances are inspired by the big-name brands, using the same oils and ingredients as the originals, but are missing just one element – the expensive price tag.

Each and every 50 ml Palermo Perfume is just $35. Palermo Perfumes also stocks, body lotions, body butters, hand creams, shower gels and gift packs.

Ozlem said a large component of her customer base were interstate tourists who visited Harbour Town, purchased fragrances and then liked the product so much they became online customers.

She also said her business had thrived through word-of-mouth, with many customers passing on the Palermo secret to their friends and family.

“A lot of my customers are repeat customers,” Ozlem said. “They trust me and they trust the product.”

The other side of the Palermo Perfumes business is party planning.

Ozlem said she understood that life was busy and not everyone had the time to spend visiting her store, so she is happy to come to you.

“We can hold demonstrations at office parties, Christmas parties, mothers’ groups. Any social occasion, we can be there,” Ozlem said.

According to Ozlem, Palermo Perfume parties are plenty of fun with no obligations but plenty of gifts and offers for the host.

Palermo Perfumes has operated for 13 years in Melbourne, including four years at the Harbour Town store.

This month Ozlem will open a second store on the ground floor of Harbour Town, which will operate throughout the pre-Christmas shopping period.

Ozlem encouraged Docklands News readers to pop into her store for their own complimentary perfume sample.

Palermo Perfumes are on the ground floor and on level 1 at Harbour Town. Alternatively contact the store on 9640 0060 or visit the website http://www.palermoperfumes.com.au