Cobb and Co Penola
Exciting move for Outback Pride!
From February 2015, Outback Pride has a new
venue and home in Penola.
Introducing Cobb & Co
The historic town of Penola, in South Australia's Coonawarra
region, is where you will find the heart and home of Vic and Maura
Musolino, the new owners of Outback Pride.
Cobb & Co itself is a heritage-listed property that was
built in the 1850s. For Vic and Maura, it represents a move back to
their cultural roots and has given them a new sense of purpose and
commitment to the sustainability of the Australian native food
story.
As a beautiful local venue, the Cobb & Co hub is also in a
perfect location to share and spread the word about the Outback
Pride Story. You'll find Vic and Maura at Cobb & Co hosting
native food tastings as well as educating and spreading the word
through an audio visual exhibition. Check out events for more details.
An Historical Location
Local legend suggests this building was used as the booking
office and storage area for the Cobb and Co. Stagecoaches which
operated through Penola from 1857 until their decline in the late
1880s when Penola was linked to the South East railway.
In July 1889 the building was purchased by the Penola Butter and
Cheese Company for use as a cheese factory. Following the
installation of equipment and the addition of a cheese curing room,
production commenced in November 1889. The company was sold in 1905
to Howard and Robertson who continued cheese making until the
1920s, when the factory closed. The adjoining "Tregenza Gallery"
was built to extend the cheese-making operations but the factory
closed before the building could be completed.
For many
years the buildings were used for storage. In 1976 they were
purchased by the Penola Branch of the National Trust of South
Australia who restored and adapted them for use as a restaurant in
1984.
Now in the 21st century, the Cobb & Co building has a new
lease on life as the hub of Outback Pride manufacturing and
distribution, as part of the vibrant Coonawarra tourist region.
The Outback Pride Story
At the heart of the
Outback Pride Story remain Mike and Gayle Quarmby, the creators
of the Project and brand. While they have handed over the grocery
product reins to Vic and Maura, the two couples will keep working
closely together toward the mutual goal of growing the Australian
native food industry.
Mike and Gayle will continue to be the driving force behind the
Outback Pride Project and they will also focus on the Outback Pride Fresh
native food service brand.
