Launnie Long-standers: Levee Food Co.

Positioned against the picturesque backdrop of docked sail boats and the seaport footbridge, Levee Food Co stands as a staple of the Launceston hospitality scene.

Childhood friends turned business-partners, Alex and Jordan, have been the proud owners of Levee since 2016, with the restaurant’s roots dating back to 2009. “My old man was the founder of Levee,” says Jordan, smiling. “I began working here clearing tables as a teenager. I’ve always been involved to one degree or another.”

Long-standing in friendship as well as ownership, Alex and Jordan reminisce about their history. “We grew up on the same street. That’s how we met. I even got Alex his first job here!” the pair chuckle. “Later, after working at Levee together for a bit, Alex went up the ranks to manager, while I left the business to go to university.” Says Jordan.

“I heard through the grapevine that my Dad was looking to sell the business. Now, Dad had no clue that Alex and I were interested in buying – we had only ever spoken about it with each other!” Jordan smiles. “But that set the wheels in motion; we were 22 and 24 at the time, way too young to take on something as big as Levee.” Jordan says emphatically while Alex nods, “It was what you would call a crash course,” says Alex. “Yet here we are!”

The restaurant’s evolution has run parallel to the transformation of Launceston’s Seaport. “When we took over, the footbridge wasn’t there, Riverbend Park was just Boral Concrete, and the Silos Hotel didn’t exist,” Alex reminisces. “In just a few months, a new boardwalk emerged, and major developments sprang up on what was once a stretch of concrete. It’s incredible to see a part of Launceston that was previously empty, grow to become one of the highest employment areas in the city.”

Yet even as the area evolved, Levee Food Co faced its own trials. During COVID, the restaurant pivoted to a takeaway model, adapting day by day in a time of uncertainty. “Every day, we were amazed by how many locals continued to support us,” Jordan says. “What began as a crisis soon revealed an important truth: while Launceston might attract visitors, it’s the locals who truly sustain the community.

Today, Levee is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hub. Regulars drop by for everything from birthday celebrations to casual catch-ups. “There’s a comfort here—a sense of belonging. When you’re a Launceston local, you take pride in where you come from.” Says Alex.

Looking to the future, Alex and Jordan remain optimistic. They envision the Seaport evolving even further—with improved wayfinding, enhanced lighting, and better parking—to help the area reach the vibrancy of places like Salamanca. “Just keep doing what we’re doing, stay modern, and remain consistent,” they agree.

Levee Food Co’s journey is one of seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and nurturing the ties that bind a community. For Alex and Jordan, every table served, and every conversation shared is a testament to their roots, their resilience, and their unwavering belief in the power of local support.