Launceston hungry for Nando’s after a decade long wait

It’s been the site of many successful restaurants and ventures in Launceston. Now, the art deco building in Brisbane street is home to a much-loved food chain. Inside the new eatery.

Nando's Launceston business owners Tim Archer and Raz Haroon pleased with the community response to the newest location. Picture: Alison Foletta

After much anticipation, the north finally have their own Nando’s restaurant.

Since the first location opened in Hobart 12 years ago, Launceston residents have been keen to have one closer to home.

Tim Archer and Raz Haroon operate all three Tasmanian locations.

Mr Haroon said he wanted to bring the Nando’s South American flavour to Tasmania after finishing university in Hobart.

“We loved it that much, we found a way to open one,” he said.

“There is nothing like it in Tasmania.”

Inside the new Launceston Nando's. Picture: Alison Foletta

The Launceston location opened the doors to the public on Thursday and was packed all day.

The location is on 182 Brisbane Street in an art deco building and the two storey restaurant was full.

The site was once the Tasmanian Tyre Service, Red Herring, Pizza Hut, Pizza Capers and now a Nando’s.

But it’s been a long journey.

“We started looking for a site around 2015, so around 10 years ago,” Mr Haroon said.

“It’s been a very interesting and exciting journey to this point and you can imagine quite a long process.”

Even renovating the site took a year but Mr Haroon was determined to keep a lot of the buildings character.

The new kitchen and server space of the Launceston Nando's. Picture: Alison Foletta

“We have retained a lot of the existing brick work inside, including some key features interior stairwell, and open dining area upstairs,” he said.

Mr Haroon was blown away when the site started looking for staff.

We have over 700 applicants in around 10 days,” he said.

“We have employed close to 50 people in different roles.”

While Launceston resident’s ongoing social media campaign for their own Nando’s worked – despite a long process, hopes are now up for Burnie, Deloraine, St Helens and Scottdale.

“We’ve had groups rattling our cages,” Mr Haroon said.

City of Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood said having something like a franchise come to Launceston was more than just another dinner option.

A development application was lodged with the City of Launceston Council to transform the former Pizza Capers store at 182 Brisbane Street into a two-storey Nando'€™s restaurant. Picture: Supplied

“It’s the big picture of investment into Launceston,” he said.

“I think it’s fantastic we’ve got national chains that are looking ton continue to create vibrancy and create offerings.”

Originally published as Launceston hungry for Nando’s after a decade long wait