BP St George

Where great food and community spirit meet!

St George is a charming rural town in the Balonne Shire of Southern Queensland, nestled along the beautiful Balonne River, about 500 kilometers from Brisbane. Known as the “Inland Fishing Capital of QLD,” St George attracts anglers due to its abundant Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and other freshwater fish found in the river and surrounding waterways.

As a vibrant agricultural hub, the town thrives on cotton, grain, and livestock industries, making it an essential part of the local economy. With stunning landscapes, a warm climate, and a welcoming community, St George is a popular destination for travelers exploring the Queensland outback.

The Pinnacle Group owns and operates the local service station, with Chaitanya, their dedicated Retail Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations. This month we take some time to discuss with Chaitanya his tips for success:

Branding
The site underwent a quick and effective branding process, completed in just two days. David Bickle from New Sunrise designed a mock-up of the planned layout, allowing for an easy review before installation. The results were impressive, earning positive feedback from locals who appreciated the investment in their town. BP ST GEORGE Where great food and community spirit meet!

The branding has brought new life to the site, especially the cool room area, which has attracted attention and boosted drink sales.

Passport to Profit Incentive
Since taking over in 2023, the site has benefited from the Passport to Profit Incentive Program. This partnership has provided extra point of sale material, monthly promotions, and special customer deals, which have been well received by locals.

Keeping the promotions fresh each month has helped drive sales and maintain customer interest. The mix and-match displays are especially popular, encouraging customers to purchase drinks, snacks, or chips together. With ongoing value deals like the $1 Cool Ridge, the site continues to offer great value to customers, considering the challenges of rising living costs.

A unique addition to the store is the Sunny Stand, which kids love searching for each week as it moves around the store. Though the stand has lost its voice after a year of greeting customers, it remains a fun and beloved feature of the site.

What Chaitanya Is Most Proud Of
A key aspect of the service station’s success is its food offering. Both locals and travellers stop not only to refuel but to enjoy a satisfying meal. Chaitanya has focused on providing a range of delicious, ready-to-go hot foods, fresh sandwiches, and pizzas, which cater to different tastes and time constraints. The store is especially known for its breakfast options, like bacon and egg rolls, toasties, and breakfast wraps. With limited early morning food choices in town, these offerings are a valuable convenience for locals.

In addition to breakfast items, the site offers a selection of pizzas available throughout the day, seven days a week. The variety ranges from popular options like pepperoni, meat lovers, and supreme to house specialties such as BBQ chicken and bacon and cheese burst. This diverse food menu has filled a gap in the local market and has helped boost sales of drinks like Schweppes and ice cream for a post-meal treat

Supporting the Local Community
The service station also plays a role in supporting the local community. It helps the local primary school by collecting recyclable cans and bottles, which are later donated to the school for its recycling program. While small, this gesture makes a meaningful difference in a tight-knit rural community. The station also continues to employ local workers, which helps strengthen ties to the community and supports the local economy, where job opportunities are limited.

If you’re passing through St George or heading out west, be sure to stop by, say hello to Chaitanya and his team, and enjoy a meal or pizza. New Sunrise extends its thanks to Pinnacle Group for their ongoing support of the program and wishes them continued success in the future.