It’s been a week of mixed emotions here at the Man of Many office. We’ve enjoyed the sweeping highs of a new ‘Skate 4’ title announcement and suffering the (not-so) crushing blow that the Tesla Cybertruck is probably not going to land Down Under after all. Who woulda thunk it? Anyways, we’re jumping back on the positive vibe train with another instalment of Feel-Good Friday. Open up your arms and embrace this collection of warm and fuzzy stories.
Hinge Launches Feature to Help Defeat Dating Burnout
Dating platform Hinge has announced Your Turn Limits, a new feature designed to combat unanswered messages from matches. In essence, Your Turn Limits will allow users to prioritise current connections by giving those with too many unanswered messages the choice to either reply to or end a conversation in order to continue sending and receiving additional likes.
The release of new features comes after Hinge research found that that focusing on fewer chats at a time leads to quicker responses, which increases the likelihood of dates. The study revealed that Australian Hinge users are 56 per cent more likely to go on a date when they respond to a match’s message within 24 hours.
“We want every dater on Hinge to feel joyful and hopeful while connecting with others,” Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge said. “With Your Turn Limits, we’re directly addressing the frustration of unanswered messages. Your next relationship could be just a message away, so we’re helping users gain momentum with going on their next great date.”
According to Hinge, the feature has the dual benefit of decreasing the number of missed opportunities and increasing dates within its community. It will also help provide daters with clarity on conversations that may be fizzling out and reduce the number of users being “ghosted.” Your Turn Limits is rolling out globally this week.
Zambrero is Giving Away 90,000 Burritos
Yep, that’s not a typo. Australian fast-casual Mexican chain Zambrero is celebrating the opening of its 300th location with a mega-giveaway that is certain to win them some new amigos. On Wednesday, September 25, the brand will give away 300 burritos at each of its 300 locations across the country, equating to 90,000 free wraps to those lucky enough to get in early.
The new giveaway comes in recognition of the new Zambrero Hawthorn outpost, which took the honour of being the network’s 300th restaurant. It’s a monumental milestone for Zambrero founder Dr Sam Prince, who launched the business in 2015 after being inspired by his aid work as a doctor in developing countries. The experience led him to establish Plate 4 Plate, an initiative that has donated over 80 million meals to those in need. Best of all, next week’s 90,000 free burrito giveaway means that an additional 90,000 meals donated through Plate 4 Plate.
Sydney Beer Lovers – The Inner West Ale Trail is Here!
From Marrickville to Newtown, Enmore to Rozelle, Sydney’s Inner West is home to some of the country’s most adventurous and well-known breweries, and now, they’re joining forces. Eighteen incredible craft breweries spanning six Sydney suburbs have collectively launched the Inner West Ale Trail, a new local tourism initiative that celebrates the very best of the area.
Made possible with the support of funding from the NSW Government via the Uptown Grant Program & the CID Trial Program, the Inner West Ale Trail grants guests access to over 320 unique craft beers made on-site, along with delectable food from more than 15 restaurants & food trucks, 100+ wines, spirits & ciders and over 60 events each week.
“The Inner West is to brewing and distilling what the Hunter Valley and the Barossa are to Australian wine,” Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne said. “The initiatives we’re undertaking on behalf of these local businesses will only increase an ever-growing part of our local economy and encourage visitors to come and experience the unique vitality and vibrancy of the Inner West.”
Favourites Young Henrys are included in the mix, with Philter Brewing in Marrickville serving up genuine hospitality, Wildflower Brewing & Blending crafts unique beers fermented with wild yeasts from native flowers in its beautiful barrel room, while Camperdown’s Wayward Brewing offers 24 taps in a cool underground space that was once a winery. Don’t think it’s all beer and spirits, however.
The Ale Trail offers a revolving roster of free and fun events that includes live music, comedy, Queers & Beers nights, pool comps, ‘80s music bingo, Auslan-assisted nights and festivals. To celebrate the launch of the expanded collective, the Inner West Ale Trail have welcome offers available to download from the website, delivering $200+ worth of value across all the breweries. There will also be an Inner West Ale Trail pop-up tinnie bar at the AFLW games played at Henson Park throughout October.
The Batmobile Arrives on Uber in Australia for Free
Did you know The Dark Knight had his own day? Well, it turns out September 21 is Batman Day and with 2024 marking 85 years since Batman’s first appearance in comics, this year’s edition is a momentous occasion on the superhero calendar. To celebrate, DC and Warner Bros. Discovery Australia have teamed up with Uber to give Aussie fans in Sydney and Adelaide free trips in Batman’s iconic Batmobile for two days only in each city.
From 11am on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September in Sydney, and Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September in Adelaide, fans within a 5 km radius of the city’s CBDs will be able to celebrate Batman Day in style. Travelling from Gotham City to the picturesque streets of Sydney and Adelaide, fans will have the chance to celebrate Batman Day with a trip through the city in Robin’s seat of Batman’s crimefighting vehicle.
If you don’t see the Batmobile as an option in the app, it simply means The Dark Knight is busy, so make sure you get in quick to avoid missing out on this truly unique experience! To further celebrate Batman’s legacy, some lucky fans may be gifted Batman merch from Gotham Collectables to help mark the special occasion.
“There is no Super Hero more iconic than the Caped Crusader, and no ride more iconic than the Batmobile, so we are excited to be giving Aussies the opportunity to experience the Batmobile for the first time,” Sasha Mackie, senior director of marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery Australia said. “Batman Day is a day where all fans are invited to celebrate all things the Dark Knight, so whether you love the movies or find your passion in the catalogue of comics, animated series and games, a trip in the Batmobile is something all fans can enjoy.”
Trips in the Batmobile can be booked on demand for one passenger at a time via the Uber app. They are completely free, provided you are lucky enough to score a ride!
Oatly Wants You to ‘Support Your Local Oat Dealer’
Oat drink provider Oatly is encouraging Aussies to get behind their local dealers, in an effort to combat cost of living issues. The brand is helping to support local cafes and baristas with a bold new campaign that shines a spotlight on the bean-brewing hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne that have become internationally renowned. Oatly has created a tongue-in-cheek new 1800-OATFIX hotline that you can call to hear oats mooing, leave a message or, for one week only, redeem a code for a free coffee at participating local Oat Dealers cafes.
“Our idea is to riff on urban vernacular and literally call out individual local Aussie baristas, or Oat Dealers if you will, and the cafes they work at, by name, image, and cafe address on their own posters and plaster them across Melbourne and Sydney,” Hazelle Klønhammer, Oatly brand director APAC, said. “Rather than spend our marketing budget entertaining people with our usual Oatly advertising, we’ve chosen to help the community, by shining a spotlight on the cafes and their baristas to help support their business by driving consumers directly to their cafes. And to help consumers, by surprising them with a free coffee.”
Oatly’s free coffees are available from participating Oat Dealers from 16 September to 22 September. The freebies are limited, so first come, first served. You can find a list of participating cafes for Sydney and Melbourne below:
Participating Melbourne cafes:
- Acustico – Brunswick
- Alimentari Smith Street – Collingwood
- Archies All Day, Fitzroy
- Calēre, Fitzroy
- Chiaki, Collingwood
- City Saints, Collingwood
- Bench Coffee Company Roastery, Brunswick
- Green Refectory, Brunswick
- Kōhī No Deshi, Brunswick
- Plug Nickel, Collingwood
- Proud Mary, Collingwood
- Sonido, Fitzroy
- Tarts Anon, Collingwood
- Walrus, Brunswick
- Wood and Co Coffee, Brunswick
Participating Sydney cafes:
- Brighter Coffee, Stanmore
- Black Market Roasters, Enmore + Marrickville
- Soulmate, Newtown
- Superfreak, Marrickville
- Tokyo Lamington, Newtown
