The co-founder of Manchester restaurants Fazenda and Tast is to open a new South American rodizio restaurant in the former Post Office unit in Altrincham.
Robert Melman, an Argentinian who now lives in Altrincham, is opening Jardim on Stamford New Road next month.
It will mean a new lease of life for the Old Post Rooms, the iconic former home of Altrincham Post Office, which has been unoccuped for more than a year.
Previously, the site was relaunched as an independent business hub and vintage tearoom, and latterly as a furniture shop.
Melman is one of the best-known people on the Manchester restaurant scene having launched Fazenda in Leeds in 2010 and going on to open in Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Melman has recently left the company behind Fazenda, however.
Three years ago Melman also launched tapas restaurant Tast on King Street, securing the backing of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The new Altrincham concept, Jardim (garden in Portuguese), will offer a signature rodizio meat selection but there will also be a “large choice of lighter options”.
Melman, who has teamed up with Chris Milner, his operations manager of nearly 10 years, on the new opening, said: “I wanted to create something new where I can add the personal touch again. I love the excitement of bringing fresh and new ideas together and building a team to deliver that. As brands grow bigger that personality can be lost.
“Jardim has been a lockdown project of mine and I am loving the excitement of bringing something new to Altrincham. I have had the opportunity to be creative again and have loved exploring the perfect blend of Brazilian style dining with some of my native Argentina.
“As I never had the chance to say goodbye to my former team, who were like a family to me, I think it’s important for them to see that no matter the situation, you can always make good, even in the most trying of times.”
