It’s been over 40 years since Captain Nemo’s floated the Submarine to the surface in Rockhampton. One unconfirmed source suggests the Captain mistakenly took the wrong turn and came up the Fitzroy River. Talk to any Rockhampton local or diner that has enjoyed a freshly made sub from Captain Nemo’s and there’s no regrets for that navigational mishap. Since 1978, Captain Nemo’s has been tantalising the taste buds of thousands of people with their delicious subs made from local fresh produce.

The business was originally the creation of 3 local Rockhampton ladies who dreamed to “make a million in five years” based on the popularity of filled rolls in the Unites States. The ladies would often host “sandwich parties” with family to critique their culinary creations before putting it on their menu. They were serious about making submarines and creating a taste so good that it would be programmed into your brain as a memory best served with addiction. But that’s about the only thing they were serious about. Their personalities were all so tongue and cheek. Slogans like “A river may divide us but Nemo’s unites Rockhampton” were often printed in the local newspaper.

As time got on, three became two and two became one. It was time for a new Captain to take over the Submarine. 12 years ago the telescope was downed and taken over by new owners, Captain Juanita Weston-Wright being one of them.

Anita and Juanita

In early 2016, Juanita got to finally meet one of the first ladies, Captain Anita. For many hours over lunch, a submarine off course, the girls got to share some of their experiences at sea. Even though Anita hasn’t been in the business for quite some time, she says people still walk up to her and recognise her. “They often ask me if I’m still selling Sunshine Subs. They were by far the best seller. I think they still are. We would often sell out daily.”

To this date, Captain Nemo’s is considered to be one of Rockhampton’s longest serving speciality shops.