Experienced in both crypto and hospitality, it only made sense for Guy Bentley to combine the two, pioneering , formerly Stan’s Deli, in Australia’s first NFT-funded venture. Situated in Melbourne’s southeast suburb of Malvern, the quick-service deli is backed by NFT and Ethereum project, —a community-driven brand harnessing crypto in charitable projects.
Merging technology with food, Nouns strives to reshape the conversation around cryptocurrency by showcasing its potential for positive impacts in the world.
“The deli is kind of just an extension to communicate what can be done in crypto,” Guy said.
With the same team of seasoned hospitality professionals behind Stan’s Deli including Jon Harper (Leonardo’s Pizza Palace and Leonardo’s House of Love) joining Guy as well as Todd Vanneste, Aaron Trotman of alternative wine label and head chef Prakasit “Noon” Sammasit, Nouns kitchen is rich in talent, and the result? Top-notch sandwiches and burgers.
Chef Prakasit’s expertise shines through in creations like the Southern fried chicken burger, perfected during his eight-year tenure at Leonardo’s Pizza Palace. Featuring crispy chicken, melted cheese, tarragon butter, lettuce, cucumber, pickles and jalapeno mayo all encased in a fresh bread bun, it stands as a crowd favourite alongside the deli beef and the roast pork offerings as well as their monthly rotating ice cream flavours.
Behind the black and white brick frontage, the interior features black and white chequered flooring complimented with stainless steel finishes, emanating a NYC nostalgic old-school bodega ambience.
If combining crypto with the culinary world wasn't innovative enough, Nouns also collaborated with local artists through a partnership with Swyftx—one of Australia’s leading crypto exchanges, enabling guests to use Ethereum to directly pay artists for their paintings or pay for their meals—a feature currently in the works.
In a groundbreaking move, Nouns embraces an ethos of open sharing, reflected in their “no copyright reserved” approach to chef recipe cards. With no signature sauces or herbs and spice mixes kept a secret, you can create your own take on Nouns goods at home.
“I think that ethos of sharing and sharing knowledge, It's just something that's not done,” Guy said.
There’s more in the pipeline with the team already eyeing another site and creating a line of merchandise from coffee cups and t-shirts to unique burger sauces, set to launch not too far down the line.
Check out more happening in Melbourne's hospitality scene here.
Image credit: supplied