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Rice Pantry

About the Business

Rice Pantry is a vibrant, colourful all-day eatery and bar serving what the owners affectionately call “urban Vietnamese.” With former MasterChef Australia contestant Bryan Zhu in the kitchen — described by co-founders Cecilia and Jackie as a “maniac chef” in the best possible way — the menu was always destined to be playful, inventive and full of personality.

Blending modern Asian flavours with an Australian twist, Rice Pantry has earned attention for its creative dishes, including the now-famous Vietnamese coffee lamington, a fusion favourite that encapsulates the spirit of the venue.

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Challenge

As first-time restaurant owners, Cecilia and Jackie stepped into unfamiliar territory when it came to commercial refrigeration. Having previously experienced issues with a storage fridge and poor service at their café, they were understandably cautious.

 

Their biggest concern was downtime. If a fridge or freezer were to fail, they worried it would disrupt operations and compromise the dining experience they were working hard to deliver.

Solution

Determined to make the right decision, the pair invested time in researching brands, speaking with suppliers and tapping into advice from industry friends. After comparing options, they shortlisted two brands — including Bromic — with a focus on reliability, variety across the range, and the reassurance of responsive service support.

 

Ultimately, Bromic was selected to supply all back-of-house refrigeration, providing units that matched the workflow and storage requirements of a busy, creative kitchen.

 

  • UF1300SDF-NR – Upright Storage Freezer
    A 1300L two-door solid freezer offering generous storage in a compact footprint, fitting neatly within the kitchen layout.
  • UBF1360SD-NR – Under Bench Storage Freezer
    A practical two-door under bench freezer that keeps frozen ingredients within easy reach during service.
  • UBC1795SD-NR – Under Bench Storage Fridge
    A three-door under bench fridge offering ample capacity and fast access to chilled ingredients.
  • UBC2230GD-NR – Under Bench Display Fridge
    A four-door display fridge providing clear visibility for bar items — ideal for storing and showcasing alcoholic beverages.
  • BB0200GDS-NR-1 – Back Bar Fridge
    A compact sliding-door drinks fridge that gives bar staff instant access to beverages while maintaining an attractive display.

 

Industry recommendations, responsive aftercare, and the breadth of Bromic’s product range were key factors in giving the owners confidence as they launched their first restaurant.

 

“Friends in the industry have always said good things about Bromic. The warranty, the range, the call-outs and the competitive pricing combined with quality product and reliable service. Because Rice Pantry is our first restaurant, I need to know that the product was going to be reliable. That was a massive thing for me. The fact that I can call a service number if there’s any issue is very reassuring.”
— Jacqueline Tran, Co-Founder