About Us
Honouring a Legacy
At Iron Horse Bar & Grill, in addition to serving up great food and good times—we’re part of a legacy that’s been roaring strong since 1978. As the Harley-Davidson® themed pub in Launceston, our venue is nestled within the iconic Richardson’s Harley-Davidson® Complex, a site steeped in history and built on the foundations of passion, craftsmanship, and community. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stories of ingenuity and resilience, brought to life by the legendary Simon Hrycyszyn and the team at Richardson’s.
The Richardson’s Harley-Davidson® in Launceston story began in a tin shed in 1973, transforming over decades into one of Australia’s most celebrated dealerships. Recycled materials, handcrafted details, and a love for all things motorcycles have shaped the complex into a one-of-a-kind destination. Above our bar, a Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer proudly takes centre stage, echoing the spirit of freedom and adventure that defines this place. Upstairs, the museum tells the tale of motorcycling history, with treasures like a 1940 Ex-Army Indian Scout and early 1900s Harley-Davidson pedal bikes—a nod to the innovation and boldness that runs through every corner of the complex.
A unique Launceston eatery, Iron Horse Bar & Grill is an extension of this remarkable legacy, a place where stories are shared over hearty meals and unforgettable events. Built from nine Tasmanian timbers, the venue reflects the same dedication to craftsmanship and community that Simon brought to every beam and nail. Whether you’re here for a family dinner, a lively event, or to soak up the history, you’re part of a tradition that celebrates freedom, connection, and the open road.
Simon Hrycyszyn
Simon Hrycyszyn has always lived life at full throttle, and it’s no different when it comes to the Iron Horse Bar & Grill. What started as a simple café offering lunch for customers while they waited for their bikes to be serviced has grown into one of Tasmania’s most unique eateries and event venues. Back in the early days, customers would swing by for a quick bite, but before long, word spread, and the café started attracting more and more people. As the crowds grew, so did the space, eventually leading to the building of the Iron Horse Bar & Grill restaurant in 2011. With its Harley-Davidson theme and ultimate function venue capabilities, the Iron Horse Bar & Grill became a true landmark in the area—a place where great food, good company, and the spirit of motorcycling come together.
Simon’s journey began in 1973, when he started working out of a small shed beneath his father’s house in West Launceston. By 1975, he had bought a property that would become the heart of his business, with a renovated house that he lived in for nearly a decade. Juggling two jobs—a bread run early in the morning and an apprenticeship during the day—Simon spent his free time building his first shed with the help of his father and friends. This was the beginning of Richardson’s Motorcycles and Wreckers, which eventually grew into Richardson’s Harley-Davidson®.
Simon’s passion for motorcycles started at just 15 years old with his first bike, a 650 BSA. He would ride it to school and hide it in the bush to keep it out of sight—nothing could slow down his love for two wheels. By 1980, at just 20 years old, Simon mortgaged everything he owned for his first buying trip to the United States. This trip to Los Angeles opened his eyes to the world of Harley-Davidson® and sparked his mission to bring that iconic experience back to Tasmania. What began as a small dream has now become one of Australia’s most iconic motorcycle dealerships, with the Iron Horse Bar & Grill standing as a testament to Simon’s vision and dedication.
Lindelle Curran-Hrycyszyn
Lindelle has been a big part of Richardson’s Harley-Davidson® and the Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Prospect Vale for over 10 years. She started out working weekends in merchandise, then quickly moved into a full-time role. With a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing, Lindelle’s passion and skills helped her take on a variety of roles, from merchandise to marketing and promotions.
Over the years, she’s become known for organizing some of the best events at the Iron Horse Bar & Grill. From live music nights to fun charity fundraisers, she’s been behind a lot of what makes the venue such a lively, community-focused spot.
These days, Lindelle manages the merchandise department in Launceston and oversees marketing and promotions for the Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Harley® stores, TMW, and more. She’s also been the Manager of the House of Motorcycles for over 3 years. One of her proudest achievements is helping organize the Give Me 5 for Kids Bike Raffle, a huge charity fundraiser that’s raised a lot for a great cause.
Merilyn Hrycyszyn
Merilyn Hrycyszyn has been an essential part of the success and growth of Richardson’s Harley-Davidson® and the Iron Horse Bar & Grill. As Simon’s wife, she has helped shape the direction of the business from the early years. Merilyn was the one behind many of the events and promotions that helped build the dealership’s strong community presence, and before Lindelle took over event management (still helping with many of the events today), Merilyn was the driving force behind organizing memorable gatherings for customers and Harley® enthusiasts. She also played a huge role in transforming the Iron Horse Bar & Grill from a small café into the iconic Harley-Davidson®-themed restaurant and function venue it is today.
Merilyn’s diverse career path began early. After leaving school in Year 11 to pursue a nursing career, she transitioned into hospitality, managing bars at Silver Service Restaurants, and later became part-owner of the California Hotel, also with Simon. In 1996, Merilyn came on board at Richardson’s Harley-Davidson® full-time after having worked part-time with the dealership before that. Her background in both healthcare and hospitality brought a unique set of skills to the business and helped her contribute to its rapid growth.
As the licensee of the Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Merilyn has a deep understanding of all aspects of the business. She has completed over 50 P.A.C.E. courses, attended Harley-Davidson® University in Sydney, and participated in the Harley-Davidson® Worldwide Model Release in America for 10 years. Her extensive knowledge of the industry keeps her up-to-date on the latest trends in service, sales, parts & accessories, and more. Merilyn’s dedication and passion for the Harley-Davidson® brand have made her an invaluable asset to the team, ensuring that both the dealership and the Iron Horse Bar & Grill continue to thrive.