Jackman and McRoss: Victoria St cafe closed after 15 years of service

A popular Hobart cafe has put the closed sign up after 15 years after a dispute with their landlord, as they reveal the future of their other two popular cafes >>

Justin McRoss co-owner, Christina Pradhan manager, Nerida McRoss co-owner. The Jackman & McRoss city cafe has closed after 15 years. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

One of Hobart’s most popular cafes has closed after 15 years.

Jackman and McRoss served its last customers at Victoria St on Friday but the owners say it is business as usual at their Battery Point and New Town bakeries and cafes.

Nerida McRoss said it was a difficult decision to close.

“We have decided to close Victoria Street due to an unsatisfactory outcome with the landlord,” she said

“This was by no means a light decision, sometimes a change in circumstances can result in hard decisions.

“It was a hard decision, it does simplify our operations somewhat with a changing economic climate and employment market.”

“We had six staff and they will be absorbed into the other shops, as we have others moving on. Many have two jobs as it is.

“Battery Point and New Town are completely secure and ongoing.”

Nerida, who has been front of house with baker Justin McRoss teamed up with the late chef Chris Jackman to open their first bakery and café in Battery Point in 1998 and six months later set up at New Town.

The trio opened in Victoria St in 2008 and Mr Jackman died four years later.

They employ about 40 people and Ms McRoss thanked the Victoria St staff and said there had been many great memories.

“We just want to thank everyone for their custom and loyalty,” she said.

Loyal customer and public servant Scott Plimpton described the staff as “stellar” and said the closure was a “sad day” for the city.

He’s savoured an early morning croissant for more than 10 years, praised their pies and described the duck, pork and cranberry sausage rolls as his favourite.

“I’m sure myself and many other workers at 188 Collins Street will miss heading around to Jackman’s for lunch or a bit of sneaky afternoon lamington sustenance,” he said.

Labor MP Ella Haddad said her family had a long history with Mr Jackman who had run an evening restaurant called Choux Shop with her mother Anne Ripper the licensee, before opening the third Jackman and McRoss café.

“Chris’ death 11 years ago has been a massive blow on everyone who knew and loved him,” she said.

“While his presence continued to be strongly felt at all three outlets, it was the Victoria Street outlet where I still expect to see his smiling face when I walk past the window.”