Milky Lane’s biggest outlet in Australia set to open in Bunbury at prime Marlston Waterfront location

Bunbury’s newest bar and eatery is set to open this week with an iconic Marlston Waterfront location to reopen to the public, with residents promised good food and great service. Bunbury’s new Milky Lane will have its grand opening on Friday night, occupying the building which previously housed Mash Brewery and Dome. The moment has been months in the making for the new venue’s owners, a partnership between Raymond and Jake Strauss, Ryan Youngman, May Harnett and Bunbury-raised Michael Palazzolo. Speaking to the Times as some of the final touches were being put into place, Mr Palazzolo described the opening as an exciting moment. “It really set in probably a few days ago, once we operated the booking system and saw how excited everyone was and they got involved,” Mr Palazzolo said. “Before that, it’s just that grind of making sure everything’s working and we’re going to get open in time, but now reality is kicking in and I’m excited to see what we can do.” The Bunbury Milky Lane store is not just another outlet for the national brand, which started as a burger joint at Bondi Beach before expanding within Sydney and then interstate, with the Marlston Waterfront location set to be the biggest in the country. Mr Palazzolo said he always wanted to give back to his community in some way. “It just felt right to be able to do something in my hometown,” he said. “Fortunately for us, we were able to partner with Milky Lane and once we started having those conversations about location and what we our ambitions were, they agreed that the brand would work well within this demographic and area.” The venue is set to have a unique vibe within the city, with American culture having an influence in everything from the design to the menu. Many of the walls have artworks depicting well-known music icons including Beyonce and Snoop Dogg, while indulgent burgers, milkshakes and deserts fit what could be expected at an American diner. About 80 staff members have been employed, with customer service set to be a key priority. Mr Palazzolo said he was looking forward to seeing the excitement of residents, particularly the city’s youngest residents, when they visit the venue. “You bring out a milkshake and there’s lollies, and you can just see the innocence or the excitement of them at the table,” he said. “On the same token, you look back and you go ‘I feel sorry for the parents when they get home with a sugar high’, but it’s about the experience and the enjoyment, and you do see that on people’s faces, which is great.”