It is New Zealand's oldest surviving family restaurant chain,[3] having opened its first branch in 1973.[4] Its name derives from the
Cobb & Co stagecoach business originally founded in Australia in the 19th century by
Freeman Cobb, although the chain has no direct historical connection with that company.[5][6]
The chain's trademark feature is a
stagecoach theme with red
saloon-style doors. It offers a
casual dining menu with steak, hamburgers, seafood, and similar items.[1] It is known for its non-alcoholic
mocktail drinks.[7][8]
History
The chain was created by the hotel division of New Zealand Breweries (now
Lion). Their first Cobb & Co opened in 1973 in their
Auckland South Pacific Hotel.[9][2]
In the 1980s it ran a series of comedic television commercials featuring British actor
David Jason.[13][14]
In 2012 the chain was purchased by Sue and Ben Gower, who had originally been franchisees of the Tauranga branch.[4] In 2016, plans to re-expand the then-dwindling chain were announced.[4][1]