Just four months after the closure of Launceston favourite Townsend’s Bakery, a new business will occupy its former site – sandwich and coffee shop Toastee.
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Two months after opening its first store in Prospect, Toastee is already turning into a chain by opening its second site next month.
Co-owner Nick Kaine said the business’ quick expansion was unplanned and unexpected.
“By chance, [Townsend’s owner] Leigh Townsend was selling some of his display cabinets and fridges online,” Mr Kaine said.
“I went in to have a look at them and an hour-and-a-half later I’d rung the landlord and it was signed, sealed and delivered.
“The rent is actually cheaper there than in Prospect – so it was too hard to turn down.”
Mr Kaine said the expansion was possible after he did all of the renovations himself.
After seeing other coffee shops spending piles of money contracting builders to open their doors, Launceston’s newest entrepreneur said he believed it could be done cheaper.
While a reported $30,000 of upgrades was needed for Townsend’s to meet council regulations, Mr Kaine said he was able to do it for a fraction of the price.
With this attitude, he believes Toastee will continue to grow.
“I want to branch out as much as I can,” he said.
“I’d love to get a store into Campbell Town if I could – it just pumps through Campbell Town, because the traffic between Hobart and Launceston is enormous.”
The new shop will base its image around providing simple sandwiches and coffees in a fun environment, according to Mr Kaine.