The Candy Van: Why chef Nathan Imber is leaving Launceston

One of Tasmania’s top pastry chefs, who has built a statewide doughnut empire, has revealed the real reason he is off to ply his trade interstate. But there’s still some sweet news for locals.

A top Tasmanian pastry chef who has built a doughnut empire over the past four years says he is off to ply his trade interstate as the local market has become too crowded, eating into his profit share.

Hobart-born Launceston chef Nathan Imber, who formerly plied his trade in the kitchens of Mona among other renowned venues, set up his first The Candy Van in Hobart in 2018, before going on to found Circle of Life Doughnut Co with business partners in 2019.

He recalled fondly his first two topsy-turvy days of trading when launching the Hobart van.

“Our very first night we had maybe five or 10 customers; the next night there was a line of 100 people waiting for us to open the window,” Mr Imber said.

“Oh my god, I was not ready, we had planned for another 10 or 15 people.”

A second The Candy Van followed in Launceston last September, but in a grievous blow to northern sweet tooths, Mr Imber has revealed he will be relocating to Adelaide within the next fortnight and would be taking his second van with him.

Circle of Life Doughnut Co will remain open and operate as usual.

“It was all right when we were the only ones in the market, but since we started there’s a lot more competition, it’s too risky having a permanent spot (in Launceston),” Mr Imber said.

“There are a lot of copycats, I’ve had a few guys literally steal my recipes.

“It will work out well just having a whole van for the state so people don’t get sick of it.”

Mr Imber said the remaining van – which had also “taken a hit” – would ply its trade across the state from its Hobart base; however, Launceston locals are likely only to see it once a month.

All is not lost for northerners wanting piles of pillowy doughnuts loaded with ice cream, sauce and chocolate though.

Mr Imber revealed he and two friends were just days away from opening a new permanent The Candy Van on Campbell Town’s High St, which would also serve coffee.

“We’re targeting travellers who want something different on their pit stop,” he said.

Launceston locals wanting one last sugar hit can catch The Candy Van on Monday at Perth during the daytime and Wattyl Paints in the evenings.

Mr Imber said after drinking his fill in Adelaide, he planned on taking his van to Sydney.