Brisbane, we need to debrief. Because something very important has happened in Queen Street Mall, and honestly, we’re still riding the sugar high. Koko Black has officially reopened in Queensland (finally!) and yes, we were absolutely there on opening day. Front row. Eyes wide. Hands full of chocolate. If you felt a shift in the energy of the CBD recently, that was us (and several hundred other fans) collectively losing our minds.
Before the ribbon cutting, Koko Black had already been stirring up chaos — the good, delicious kind — by sending the Koko Cruiser around Brisbane. A literal van handing out free chocolate. Randomly. To everyday people just trying to live their lives. It was unhinged, generous, and deeply appreciated. And now that the boutique is open, the Cruiser has done its job: Brisbane is officially in chocolate mode.
Now let’s talk about the store. Because it is… stunning. The Queen Street Mall boutique is sleek, warm, and smells like the kind of place you enter and immediately consider moving into. The cabinets are lined with glossy pralines, truffles, and caramels that all look like they’ve been individually coached to perform at their best. It feels indulgent without being intimidating — a place where you can browse, taste, linger, and probably make several purchases you’ll later insist were “for gifting”.
Opening day itself? Wild. The first 100 customers scored a $200 Koko Black shopping spree, and the atmosphere was equal parts festive and strategic. People had plans. People were prioritising. People were pointing at boxes like they were drafting chocolate players for a fantasy league.
And honestly, we get it. Seeing the whole range in person — the bars, the gift boxes, the seasonal collections — is dangerous in a very fun way. Everything is handmade in Australia, everything looks like it was crafted with intention, and everything tastes like the kind of treat you save for “when you really need it”… and then immediately eat anyway.
Koko Black CEO Rory Gration says Queensland has always felt like an unofficial home base. Which tracks, given more than 20 per cent of the brand’s online orders were already coming from this state. We were buying it without even having a store. That is loyalty. That is devotion. That is Queenslanders doing what needs to be done.
The new boutique marks Koko Black’s 22nd store nationally and its very welcome return to Brisbane — a reunion long overdue. And now that it’s here, it just feels right. Like the city is complete again.
If you haven’t visited yet, consider this your sign. Go in. Wander. Taste something. Buy yourself a gift under the guise of “stocking up early”. This is your moment to embrace joy in chocolate form.
We certainly did. And we’ll be back. Often.
Koko Black, 160 Queen Street, Brisbane City. p. (07) 3543 4761
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
