From island roads
to Deloraine.
Sailor is Jo and Nelson’s story: a travelling kitchen, a much-loved “big blue bus” and a Deloraine restaurant built around generous food and good company.
Two people.
One big idea.
For Jo and Nelson, Sailor has always been about more than putting food on a plate. It is about creating the kind of place they would want to visit themselves: warm, unfussy and full of character.
Their shared love of good food, local produce and bringing people together shaped Sailor from the beginning. Quality, consistency, pride and old-fashioned customer service remain at the heart of what they do. What started on the road has grown into a food truck, a restaurant and a gathering place for Tasmanians and our tourist visitors.
From school
runs to food runs.
Long before it served burgers, seafood and festival crowds, the Sailor truck was a school bus. Jo and Nelson found her on King Island, saw the potential and took a leap of faith, giving the bus a second life as a kitchen on wheels.
Its teal body, raw timber panels and stamped sailor character became part of the brand from day one. Affectionately known as the “big blue bus”, Sailor travelled through Westbury, Longford, Launceston and Deloraine, carrying the crew and fresh Tasmanian produce wherever the road led.
- FoundKing Island
- Known asThe big blue bus
- Built onLocal produce & old-fashioned service
A restaurant
with room to grow.
The future of Sailor is anchored in Deloraine. Jo and Nelson’s vision is to keep building a restaurant that feels local, welcoming and unmistakably Sailor—somewhere for a quick coffee, a long lunch, a celebration or a relaxed night with the crew.
They plan to grow thoughtfully: backing Tasmanian produce, creating memorable events and keeping the easygoing spirit of the food truck alive inside the restaurant. The next chapter is still being written, and everyone is welcome aboard.