Grand Hotel Childers pub meal challenge proves big hit across Qld

A country Queensland pub’s epic ‘Mongrel Meals’ challenge has turned into an online sensation and much-needed money maker as punters from across the state try and beat the clock or face the takeaway box of shame. VIDEO, DETAILS.

The 2020 Covid pandemic and its ensuing lockdown laws delivered a big hit to the country’s pubs and hotels.

Now, a regional Queensland watering hole has found a “Mongrel” of a solution to bring big numbers back through its doors.

It’s been just a few weeks since the Grand Hotel Childers, on the Bruce Hwy about 50km south of Bundaberg, launched its Mongrel Menu, an open challenge to those keen to learn if their eyes were bigger than their bellies.

The offer is simple: Tackle one of three “huge meals”, either a triple-patty burger called the “Big Bastard”, 1kg of rump steak, or a full rack of pork ribs.

Each dish has a choice of sides ranging from chips and salad, or chips, chips, and more chips.

A triple patty beef burger is one three “mongrel” meals on offer at the hotel as part of the challenge.

Hotel manager Helen Corliss said the only thing bigger than the menu, initially inspired by similar (albeit larger) offerings in Texas, had been the level of success.

She had wanted to try the idea “for years” but “had to wait for the right chef”.

“It’s not easy to cook 1kg steaks well and consistently,” Mrs Coriss said.

“We found that chef in Lisa Couell who is amazing.”

Three of the 1kg rump steaks sizzles next to a more traditional 250g cut.

The meat is sourced within the township, but the customers come from all over.

Mrs Corliss said there has been a steady stream of people from places up and down the Bruce Hwy like Hervey Bay eager to take on the challenge, and visitors had even been trekking from as a far away as Toowoomba to take a crack.

“Last Saturday we did not have a seat in the house,” Mrs Corliss said.

Challengers who down their meals in less than an hour are recognised on the hotel’s record board, including the fastest times.

More than 150 of the meals have been sold in two weeks, and posts celebrating competitors on the hotel’s Facebook page have been receiving hundreds of reactions as the challenge takes hold online.

Walk-up meals can still be ordered on weekdays, she said, but the huge popularity of the Mongrel Menu had made bookings for the weekend essential.

The challenge extends beyond simply whether one can make it through the full meal, though.

Patrons who are beaten by the clock (or their stomachs) are given a “takeaway box of shame” to cart their leftovers home in.

Anyone who finishes within an hour get a commemorative stubby holder and their name “etched in permanent glory” on the hotel’s Mongrel Menu Honour Board.

Those with the fastest times also get named and famed, with their times shared across the venue’s social media pages.

Diners who fail to finish are rewarded with “takeaway boxes of shame” in which they can cart their leftovers away to finish at a later date.

Hotel manager Helen Corliss said weekends are now being booked out well in advance thanks to the menu’s popularity. They sold more than 150 in its first two weeks, she said.

As of May 7, the board’s record was 14 minutes and 54 seconds for one young lad who tore into the steak.

It stands almost one full minute ahead of second place, also held by a steak-eater.

The hotel’s Facebook page is littered with tales of the fallen too.

They include one young lad who ripped through the ribs in six minutes but came undone by the epic serving of chips.

More often than not it was these side dishes “slowing people down”, Mrs Corliss said.

“Our main aim is for people to enjoy great meals at good prices … the challenge is just for fun,” she said.
“Enjoy the meals at your leisure or race your mates, your stomach and the clock if you dare.”

The meals ($60 for steak, $50 for ribs and $45 for burger) can be ordered and shared without partaking in the challenge.