Launceston food trucks: Toast Cafe boss Paul Freeburn plans Wellington St hub

The boss of a beloved cafe plans to turn a disused carpark into a major food van hub, with on-site parking and customer seating. See which operators are already confirmed >>

Toast Cafe owner Paul Freeburn has proposed a food van hub at South Launceston featuring up to 13 operators. Picture: Facebook

The boss of a beloved brunch cafe has unveiled plans for a massive food truck hub in a disused caryard, with up to 13 operators able to trade at any given time.

Six trucks have already committed to trade from the hub at 246–248 Wellington St, South Launceston, proposed by Prospect Vale’s Toast Cafe boss Paul Freeburn, should it be rubber stamped by council.

They include burger slingers Food for Dudes, which is expected to also host a new, separate fried chicken van; Amore, which offers wraps, sweets and fried foods; Fire and Smoke low-and-slow barbecue; new operator Sunny Kebabs; and Boost Juice.

The confirmed operators would operate on various days. Documents lodged with council show that, for instance, Sunny Kebabs would operate seven evenings a week, while Food for Dudes would trade 11am–8pm, Wednesday–Saturday.

Food for Dudes’ Mexican outfit El Chapos, fish and chips operator Sailor Food Truck and patisserie One Sweet Day previously expressed interest in the site, but it is expected they will no longer proceed.

Mr Freeburn said the existing car sales office would be converted into Tiny Toast, a grab-and-go version of Toast Cafe, offering focaccias, pastries and coffee.

Mr Freeburn said he expects the hub to be firing on all cylinders by next Wednesday. He hopes to further bring live music to the site over summer.

Food for Dudes and El Chapos owner Josh Newman. Picture: Facebook

The Wellington St site is a disused carpark which formerly housed the Car Connection caryard. Prior to that, it was The Carmart.

Plans lodged with council show that the existing Shamrock St entrance would be used by the food trucks, while the existing Wilmot St entrance would be used by customers. 14 on-site carparks would be provided. There would be two outdoor dining areas, a larger one 11m by 11m, and a smaller one 8m by 7m.

Follow @humidityreport

According to the application, about 300 customers per day would be expected, with the site to operate from 6am–10pm. Planners 6ty Degrees anticipate 38 vehicular movements per hour.

“It is anticipated a maximum of eight food vans will be located on the site at any one time,” the planner said.

Plans by 6ty Degrees for a proposed food van hub at 246-248 Wellington St, South Launceston. Picture: City of Launceston/ 6ty Degrees

“Food vans are able to come and go from the site which provides flexibility to attend various events as required and to dispose of waste and undertake any necessary cleaning and maintenance of the vehicles and trailers.”

6ty Degrees said it was confident the proposed use was not in conflict with surrounding uses.

“Evening peak periods will be outside normal business hours for nearby uses within the area. Accordingly, it is expected that on-road carparking spaces within the Wilmot St and Shamrock St will be available to accommodate any additional parking demand,” the planner said.

An existing temporary on-site building formerly used as a Covid testing clinic would be removed to facilitate the hub.

The application is currently being advertised by the City of Launceston.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly captioned the picture of Food for Dudes owner Josh Newman.