Tasmanian restaurant pioneer John Licandro passes away aged 94
An Italian immigrant who opened the first stand-alone licensed restaurant in Tasmania in 1968 has passed away aged 94.
Gianni (John) Licandro was a pioneer in the hospitality sector on Tasmania’s north west region, opening many venues over the years including The Martini Restaurant, Don Coffee Lounge, Moby Dicks and Rialto.
He also introduced locals to cappuccinos with the first Italian coffee machine in Burnie.
His youngest son Dario said his death was “a sad loss for the North-West".
"He was a loving, family man, giving, locally-orientated and an entrepreneur to the hospitality industry," he said.
The Rialto in Burnie remains in the Licandro family and is operated by son Marc.
Sheridan Randall, 4th June 2019
