Aunty Katie Ballarat set to expand hospitality family

Ballarat and Ararat will welcome new dining destinations

One of Ballarat’s biggest hospitality assets, classic Asian cuisine staple Aunty Katie, is expanding her empire, announcing the opening of not one but two new venues in regional Victoria.

Joining the Mair Street Ballarat based Aunty Katie in the goldfields region will be Blossom & Bloom. Set to open in July 2026, Blossom & Bloom is the new café and bar under the hospitality portfolio. It lands at 202 Humffray Street S, Bakery Hill Vic. A dinner service will also be included in the mix.

Over in Ararat, the city centre will welcome a new resident with Cattleya Heritage. It takes over the historic 234 Barkly Street building, and is also set to open in July of 2026.

Blossom & Bloom

Where: 202 Humffray Street S, Bakery Hill Vic

When: Opening July 2026

Cattleya Heritage

Where: 234 Barkly Street, Ararat

When: Opening July 2026

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

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The two will be exciting inclusions to the regional restaurant and hospitality scene, mirroring the success and love of Aunty Katie. Since rebranding and reopening in December of 2025, the Mair Street location has become a local go-to for cosy, hearty dishes all make by hand with love. Think the perfectly crimpled dumplings, aesthetically pleasing raw fruit and flower bubbles and beverages, the most delectable Chicken Katsu Don, and a dessert menu of air-light Chiffon Rolls and silky honey cake pastries.

Whilst there is currently limited information on the new Blossom & Bloom, and Cattleya Heritage menus, there is no doubt that these spots will become hotspots for locals and visitors, keeping the Aunty Katie handmade ethos at the front of the ingredients list.

Keep up to date with all venue updates here, and check out Aunty Katie here.