Gordon family to open The Pottery dining hall in Pakenham

There's no risk of running out of plates at the Gordon family's latest hospitality project, a casual dining hall taking shape at the Pakenham headquarters of Robert Gordon Pottery, one of the country's largest ceramics manufacturers.

Sam Gordon says the family fell in love with the restaurant industry while collaborating with chefs on custom-made plates, and couldn't resist getting involved themselves.

In 2014, they teamed up with Argentine chef Mauro Callegari to open the Independent in Gembrook.

Their latest project is even more personal. Visitors can come for a guided tour of the pottery, browse the shelves at the pottery's showroom and seconds shop, and stay for a bite to eat.

Brothers Sam and Bobby have hired Scots-born chef Raymond Capaldi to guide the menu – salads and pizza made in the oven that previously fired at St Katherine's (now Hellenic Republic Kew). They'll initially serve lunch Wednesday to Sunday, adding Friday and Saturday dinners as momentum builds.

The Pottery is expected to open by early April at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham.