Pedlar Project’s expansion into Friday night tapas proving a success

What first began as a one man coffee stand pedalling around Townsville has now evolved into a caffeinated leafy escape as the Pedlar Project expands with its newest dinner menu.

What first began as a one man coffee stand pedalling around Townsville has now evolved into a caffeinated leafy escape as the Pedlar Project expands into the night with its newest dinner menu.

Jordan Rio has spent his fair share of time within the confines of kitchens, bars and cafes around the world but after returning to Townsville he was faced with an important decision; buy a plane ticket to Brazil or a coffee trailer on the back of a bike.

“I was just about to leave again and on the same day a friend of mine said that there’s a coffee trailer for sale that’s also a bicycle and I thought that sounded cool so I went and saw the guy and bought it the same day,” Mr Rio said.

After a couple of years making his way around markets and peddling the cart outside of businesses, Mr Rio decided to put some roots down in a permanent spot and went into business with his father.

“I think we’ve created this little oasis that makes people feel a certain type of way, a sort of escape,” he said.

On the menu at the Pedlar Project. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“When you walk through the gates it feels like you could be anywhere and people sit down and lose a few hours.”

The Pedlar’s recent introduction of their Friday night tapas and dinner menu paired with specialty cocktails has opened up a brand new door for the restaurant.

On the menu at the Pedlar Project. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“What we’ve got here at night time – the atmosphere and everything – just feels amazing,” Mr Rio said.

“The chef is just doing some sensational food, she’s changing it up every week. There’s some amazing tapas and amazing dinner specials.”

“It’s amazing, the same people are coming back each week and bringing new people and it’s growing in this really beautiful way.”

The Pedlar Project prides itself on being a family owned business that takes the time to make their customers feel welcome, a key element that has kept coffee lovers coming back time and time again.

On the menu at the Pedlar Project. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’ve all worked extremely hard on the business … it’s been a crazy couple of years where it has just grown and grown,” Mr Rio said.

“We know most of our customers as soon as they walk in the door, we know their coffee order, we know their names and their dogs name, it’s a community for sure.”

Mr Rio has credited his amazing chef, Mel … for their food success as she continues to whip up mouth watering meals every week.

“She deserves all the credit, she works so hard … the food has become the reason why people come here.”

Pellar Project is located 320-334 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD

Originally published as Pedlar Project’s expansion into Friday night tapas proving a success