The humble Bunnings snag has earned its place on the world stage — quite literally — after being included on an official foodie passport designed to guide visiting NFL fans through the best of Melbourne's culinary scene ahead of the San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams clash at the MCG on September 11.
What is the NFL Melbourne foodie passport?
The San Francisco 49ers have put together a foodie passport encouraging international supporters to explore Melbourne's food culture in the week leading up to the historic game. The passport directs fans to a curated list of venues across the city, each offering something distinctly local — and in some cases, specially themed for the occasion.
Venues featured on the passport include Easey's Burgers in Collingwood, Grace's Elegant Espresso in Williamstown, Nonna's House in Fitzroy, Transport Bar, and the American Doughnut Kitchen at Queen Victoria Market, which is serving up a Niners Pack decked out in 49ers colours.
"We are very excited, we are waiting for that moment and we are very happy to do that," one venue owner said of the initiative.
But arguably the most talked-about entry on the list is the Bunnings in Port Melbourne — a distinctly Australian institution that needs little introduction to locals, but promises to be a revelation for overseas visitors.
Why the Bunnings snag is the star of the show
For Australians, the Bunnings sausage sizzle is more than just a cheap feed outside a hardware store — it's a cultural ritual. That reputation has now crossed into the world of international sport tourism, with the snag in bread earning its spot among Melbourne's most celebrated dining experiences.
Jimmy Hurlston from Easey's in Collingwood acknowledged the selection has raised a few eyebrows — specifically around which Bunnings location made the cut.
"I had a few people message me about it, claiming that that Bunnings may not necessarily be the most consistent of the Bunnings either," Hurlston said.
Still, he was emphatic about the broader significance of the choice. "Bunnings as a whole is so very iconically Australian and something that all visitors to Australia should experience," he said.
Hurlston also teased that fans should expect more than just restaurant stops throughout the week. "Definitely keep your eyes peeled, we'll have activations throughout the whole week in the lead-up to the game," he said.
A major economic opportunity for Melbourne businesses
The NFL's decision to bring a regular-season game to Melbourne is shaping up to be a significant boon for local hospitality. Ticket sales for the 49ers vs Rams match have reportedly come from 35 different countries, signalling a substantial influx of international visitors to the city in the days surrounding the game.
For venues lucky enough to land a spot on the official foodie passport, the exposure represents a rare opportunity to put their food in front of a genuinely global audience — all drawn in by the promise of NFL action at one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues.
When and where is the NFL Melbourne game?
The San Francisco 49ers face the LA Rams at the MCG on September 11. With a full week of fan activations planned across the city, Melbourne is set to offer visiting supporters far more than just football — starting, perhaps most memorably, with a snag on white bread outside a hardware store.
