Dirty floors don’t seem to worry restaurateur Jim Frangos in his new business venture. 

Swiss Mountain Hotel and Store will open at Blampied on Wednesday afternoon after three years in the pipeline. 

“We want the potato farmers to come in with their muddy boots and have a beer,” Mr Frangos said.

The pub has seen 10 tenants in 10 years and Mr Frangos is hoping to break the trend. 

He has built some of the furniture in the 200-seater pub from resurrected timber. 

He has also collected antique tea pots, which are dotted around the bar.

“I found them at an antique shop,” he said. 

“The ladies can use them for tea when they come in.” 

The open wooden interior features a fireplace, pool table and wide-screen TVs. 

The two-hectare property also houses a vineyard. 

“We hope to have accommodation and even a brewery in the future,” Mr Frangos said.

Long-time friend Ewan Apedaile has joined the team as executive chef. 

He has crafted his menu around local produce. 

“I’d say the menu is made up of mainly comfort food,” Mr Apedaile said.

“Braised beef cheeks with mashed potato and our version of the parmigiana ... it will be Frangos style.” 

Mr Apedaile said he would trial a smaller menu in the opening week before offering an expanded menu. 

Platters and cakes will also be on the menu. 

“We want it to be affordable, comfortable and relaxed,” Mr Frangos said. 

There are plans for the Midland Highway pub to include a food store. 

“We want people to pick up a newspaper and grab a coffee in the mornings.” 

The Swiss Mountain Hotel and Store adds to the collection of restaurants and pubs owned by Mr Frangos. 

He also owns Koukla Cafe, Frangos and Frangos and Jimmy’s Bar in Daylesford. 

Swiss Mountain Hotel will be open for lunch seven days and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. 

Coffee will be available from 8am.

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au