The Old Factory has opened in the building previously occupied by the Myrtleford Butter Factory, which moved to Moyhu and rebranded as King Valley Dairy late in 2015.

The Old Factory’s general manager Ben McKechnie said the restaurant showcased regional fare from dozens of Alpine Valley producers. 

Mr McKechnie said they used regional olive oil, cheese, beer, wine and cider among scores of other products.

“We offer simple food, done well,” Mr McKechnie said.

“The menu changes daily because it depends on what fresh produce comes through the door.

“All of our house-made bacon and ham are complemented with local produce, Milawa bread and local wine.”

Former owner/operator of Wodonga business Morrison Street Butchery Michael Frederick produces charcuterie – smoked and cold cooked meats – for the restaurant, which is owned by Snowden Pty Ltd.

Snowden manages Falls Creek establishments The Last Hoot, The Man, Cloud Nine and Dicky Knees among seven at the alpine resort.

The Old Factory employs eight staff with some drawn from the ski resort for the summer months.

Mr McKechnie said the business would eventually expand its range of produce and smallgoods available in the shop.

“Everything we’re making in the restaurant, we want to be able to sell through the shop,” he said.

“We’ll look to supply other restaurants and retailers down the track.”

Mr McKechnie said they planned to make The Old Factory more interactive for customers in future.

“We’re looking at sausage-making and ham-making demonstrations on-site,” he said.

“There will be workshops to show our processes better like the breaking down of a whole animal.

“Some people don’t know which part of the animal their cuts of meat come from.

“We’re trying to move away from processed foods and focus on the natural product.” 

The Old Factory opens 10am until 4pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am until late Thursday and Friday and 8am until late weekends.