Tasmanian family-run business Coal River Farm opens two new retail stores in Western Australia

A Tasmanian business is flying for the flag for the state in Western Australia, opening two new retails stores there this week.

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Coal River Farm is flying the flag for Tasmania in Western Australia, opening two new retail stores there this week.

Artisan Tasmanian cheese and chocolates are being sold at the new retail outlets in Perth CBD and Fremantle.

The family-run business already has stores in the Melbourne, Hobart and Launceston CBDs in addition to its popular headquarters at Cambridge, which includes a restaurant, farm, chocolatier and cheesery.

Melanie Leesong at the Coal River Farm, In The Cat and Fiddle Arcade, Hobart. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Owner Daniel Leesong said the WA stores had been scheduled to open two weeks before Easter but were delayed due to coronavirus.

He’s currently in Perth ensuring the first weeks of trade run smoothly, while wife Mel remains in Hobart to manage the Tasmanian side of the business.

“It’s been pretty interesting timing to open two new retail outlets,’’ Mr Leesong said.

“But we’re very excited to be here, it’s nice to take Tasmanian produce to the west.’’

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He said the feedback from shoppers so far had been “amazing” with lots of former Tasmanians venturing through the doors to get a little fix of home.

The shops have also been attracting West Australians who have previously visited Tasmania or those who desperately want to visit in future. Some of his staff are also former Tasmanians.

“In WA there’s a genuine thirst for Tasmanian produce,’’ Mr Leesong said.

“We play a big role, not just selling our produce but being advocates for the state as well.’’