A Slice of Sydney Nostalgia: The Conveyor Luncheonette at Coles, Pitt Street

Source: State Library of Victoria

In the heart of Sydney’s bustling retail district stood a hidden gem that stirred both curiosity and appetites alike — the Conveyor Luncheonette at Coles Variety Store on Pitt Street. For many Sydneysiders in the early 1960s, it wasn’t just a place to grab a quick bite; it was an experience ahead of its time, fusing novelty, efficiency and old-fashioned charm.

Dining with a Twist in 1962

By 1962, department store lunch counters were common across Australian cities, but Coles took it to another level. Located in its busy Pitt Street store, the Conveyor Luncheonette invited customers to dine at a counter where meals and drinks arrived via a moving conveyor belt. It felt modern, exciting and a little futuristic — like Sydney’s answer to the Jet Age.

Customers could perch on a stool, order a pot of tea and a warm meat pie, and watch as their food gently slid along the rotating belt. For city workers, shoppers and visiting families, it added a playful edge to lunchtime that left a lasting impression.

The Coles 50th Year Luncheonette Menu – 1964

Source: State Library of Victoria

Two years later, in 1964, Coles celebrated its 50th year with a special anniversary menu at its luncheonettes across the country. The Pitt Street store was no exception, offering up a nostalgic and affordable feast for the occasion. The commemorative menu included favourites like crumbed sausages with mashed potatoes, toasted chicken sandwiches, and signature milkshakes in tall frosted glasses.

Classic Aussie desserts such as sago pudding, apple crumble with custard, and jelly with whipped cream were offered for just a few shillings. The emphasis was on hearty, dependable fare — food that was both comforting and quick, designed for people on the go, without losing its home-cooked feel.

Menus were printed with commemorative covers marking “50 Years of Coles,” a subtle reminder that the retail chain had become part of everyday Australian life. Many people remember that meal as their first introduction to dining out, or the spot where they sat during a long shopping trip with their mum.

More Than a Meal — A Memory

The Conveyor Luncheonette at Coles was never just about food. It was about being part of a city in motion. It reflected Sydney’s post-war confidence, where efficiency, innovation and community coexisted in surprising places — even in the lunchroom of a variety store.

Though the conveyor system and the luncheonette eventually disappeared as retail trends shifted, the stories remain. For those who experienced it, it was a moment when everyday life was made just a little more fun.

To learn more about Sydney’s retail and dining history, visit:
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/