Cost of living crisis: Family date nights heat up this winter at shopping centre casual dining outlets
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 19 Jun 2025
Yamanto Central is embracing the cooler months by creating a welcoming, winter-ready outdoor dining experience for families, helping parents turn weeknight dinners into affordable, feel-good family date nights.
The centre features a covered, casual outdoor dining precinct complete with a children's playground located directly beside the seating area, allowing kids to play while parents relax and enjoy a meal. The precinct includes seating for up to 300 people, thoughtfully styled with unique alcoves and planter boxes to create a sense of privacy, comfort and warmth.
Vicki Leavy, General Manager of JMK Retail, the owner of Yamanto Central, said the trend toward casual, convenient and cost-effective dining continues to grow as families look for ways to enjoy time together without blowing the budget.
"Parents are looking for experiences where everyone can enjoy themselves without the stress or the price tag," Leavy said.
"Not every family can afford a babysitter, so being able to bring the kids along, let them play safely while being supervised by nearby parents and enjoy a great night out as a couple or family is incredibly valuable. In addition, there is plenty of undercover parking close by which is free and convenient.
"Our dining precinct is built with that in mind. It's a place where local families can connect, unwind and enjoy quality food in a space that feels like an extension of home.
"This is a trend we are seeing across the entire country. Parents are turning to family date nights to enjoy some time together while including the kids. It means the parents can have a romantic dinner together and a glass of wine while the kids enjoy themselves in the playground."
The Yamanto Central shopping centre casual dining precinct offers a range of dining options including popular eateries like Sushi HYO, Cafe 63 and Pattysmiths. They offer something for everyone, from freshly made sushi and hearty cafe favourites to gourmet burgers, making it easy to please all tastes. New dessert options will also soon be available with the arrival of The Goat Frozen Bar which will offer a delectable range of frozen yoghurt and acai with a variety of yummy toppings.
The dining precinct, which is a newly completed feature of the centre, has only a couple of spaces remaining. Eateries looking to tap into one of Queensland's most active growth corridors are encouraged to contact JMK Retail to explore the last available leasing opportunities.
"Situated in the country's fastest growing corridor, Yamanto Central continues to experience rising footfall and strong dining trade every day of the week," Leavy added.
'It's a thriving destination, and we are excited to welcome the final few operators into this high-performing precinct."
About Yamanto Central
Yamanto Central is a leading retail and lifestyle destination located in the heart of Ipswich. Owned by JMK Retail, the centre is home to major retailers, specialty stores and a thriving casual dining precinct. Designed with families in mind, the centre offers covered outdoor dining, a children's play area and a relaxing environment where the local community can come together. Positioned in one of Australia's fastest growing residential areas, Yamanto Central continues to attract new visitors and remains a hub for both shopping and social connection.
