Tucked inside a restored Queenslander on Miskin Street in Toowong, Riser has quietly become one of Brisbane’s most talked-about bakeries and cafés. Since opening in late 2022, it’s earned a loyal following not just for its excellent pastries and coffee, but for a standout menu item that’s sparked a devoted fan base—the chicken sandwich.
Read: Inside West Brisbane’s New Cafes Mis.spelt And Riser Bread
This isn’t your standard deli counter sanger. Riser’s version is a carefully composed creation built on slices of house-baked sourdough, soft, yet structured with a touch more oil than a typical loaf. Inside, layers of brined chicken, bacon, caesar dressing, and the game-changing addition of croutons combine for a rich, satisfying bite with plenty of texture.
The inclusion of croutons adds a pleasing crunch that plays beautifully against the softness of the bread and the tender chicken. It’s a small but significant touch, a signal that every element has been refined and reconsidered over time. The caesar dressing delivers the expected umami punch, without overpowering the other components, while the bacon offers a salty counterpoint to the creamy base.
It’s clear that this sandwich is the result of collaboration rather than a single chef’s vision. Much like Riser itself, which was founded by Tom Cooney, Kieran Ryan and Duncan McKay, hospitality veterans with experience across some of Brisbane’s best-loved venues—the sandwich represents a collective effort shaped by experience, experimentation and a shared commitment to doing things well.
Come the weekend, Riser is buzzing. Queues snake out the door as customers wait patiently for buttery croissants, savoury scrolls, or perhaps a sausage roll, but the chicken caesar sandwich has become a staple order for many. At $16, it’s a premium lunch, but one that more than delivers on flavour and satisfaction.
Weekday visitors might opt to take theirs away and make a mini outing of it—perhaps heading up to the nearby Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens for a quiet picnic by the lake, bush turkeys and all.
Read: Street Spotlight: Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
You’ll find Riser at 85 Miskin Street, Toowong. If you haven’t been yet, this sandwich alone is reason enough to go.
Published 24-June-2025
