Tasmania’s oldest coffee house will celebrate six decades of service this week.
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Pierre’s Launceston opened in 1956 and was home to one of the first Italian espresso machines in Australia.
Pierre Lecompte and his wife Helen ran the business for more than 20 years before handing it over to new owners.
Six decades and a handful of owners on, Pierre still visits the restaurant for his favourite fish and chips and a glass of chardonnay.
The 95-year-old retiree said he still remembered opening day.
“I was dressed in a grey suit, with a tie and my girlfriend in those days (Helen) was very well dressed too,” he said.
“And we opened the door, and people could not believe it they thought who is this guy with his tie.
“And we became the first one in the state to be a brasserie cafe.”
Helen Lecompte was born in Launceston and the couple met when Pierre moved to Tasmania to work with Hydro.
“We knew nothing about it at all (the restaurant business), it’s lovely to see it become a sophisticated restaurant and we are very proud it is still here,” Mrs Lecompte said.
In 2007, the Birchmore family bought Pierre’s from the Lecompte’s and took on the challenge of a complete makeover of the restaurant.
After a 12 month overhaul, Pierre’s reopened in 2009 and became the award-winning business it is today.
“It’s a special place for everyone, not just for us, there’s just so many stories to be told,” Rohan Birchmore said.
“Someone will come in and say my grandmother used to work here or we used to work for Pierre, there’s a connection for so many people with Pierre’s.”
Featuring French cuisine, Tasmanian produce and an award-winning wine list of local and international drops, Pierre’s continues to be known for its fine dining.
Its Tasmanian Sloe Gin Infused Venison Fillet and glass of matching premium Tasmanian wine saw the business win the Northern Tasmania On A Plate restaurant of the year award in 2014.
While the refurbished building landed the business a heritage award from Launceston City Council in 2009 for the best attention to streetscape.
Pierre’s will celebrate its 60th birthday on Saturday September 17.