History has been made in the Best in the New England awards, with East Armidale Store becoming the first business to win the same category three years in a row.
The popular store has successfully defended its Best Take Away title again after first claiming the crown in 2024, completing the promotion’s first-ever three-peat.
Brad was speechless, just saying “wow, thanks” in response to the news.
The achievement comes after another overwhelming show of support from customers, who praised everything from its burgers, fish and chips and thickshakes to its consistently friendly staff and outstanding customer service.
“Awesome food and service,” Kerrianne said.
For many voters, the quality and freshness of the food keeps them coming back.
“The staff are absolutely amazing. The food is always fresh,” Jayme said.
April said the store offered much more than a typical takeaway.
“Beautiful fresh food, awesome milkshakes and coffee. Heaps of lollies like the old corner shops and friendly service.”
The store’s extensive menu attracted plenty of praise, with individual favourites ranging across almost every part of it.
Amee declared it had the “best burgers in town”, while Richard and Amy both voted for its fish and chips, with Amy calling them the “best fish and chips ever”.
Kyle and Caitlin nominated the hot chips as the region’s best, Matt praised the sandwiches, Helen said it served the “best thickshakes in the ’Dale”, and Margie simply voted for the coffee.
Jodie summed up the appeal as “wonderful service, beautiful food, great variety of products and best coffee”.
Customer service was another recurring theme throughout the nominations.
“Great team, great takeaway and great food,” Chrissie said.
Kerry praised the store’s “fast friendly service”, wide menu and popular kids’ lunch box deal, adding that it had become their regular stop, even while travelling through in semi-trailers.
Katie described the business as offering “excellent quality food and great customer service”, while Sharon kept it simple with “great food, great service”.
Kristy said the team consistently delivered “great yummy food always cooked to perfection”, while Samarra praised the reliability of the business.
“They have never failed to complete my order. They are a very friendly and welcoming place for everyone. They have never let me down.”
Many customers also highlighted the welcoming atmosphere.
“The workers are so kind and welcoming and never get your order wrong,” Kiera said.
Klaudia agreed, saying the staff were “so friendly and kind every day” and always greeted customers with a smile.
For Kerry, it all came down to consistency.
“Absolutely the freshest well-cooked food in town. The food is always done to perfection and they go out of their way to cook exactly what fussy eaters want. You can’t beat it for clean, fresh food prepared daily. I’ve never been disappointed.”
There’s only one other chance for a threepeat in BITNE26 – in the Best Accomodation category still to come.
Best in the New England is an annual promotion run by New England Times. Find out more here.
See who won last year.
Read the terms and conditions of the promotion.
See all the stories about Best in the New England including winner profiles.