Founders and Co Lara Review: Family Friendly Dining Near the You Yangs
Founders and Co in Lara is a family friendly restaurant serving Western and contemporary Australian-style food in a handy spot between Melbourne and Geelong.
If you are searching for a Lara restaurant before or after a You Yangs walk, a visit to Serendip Sanctuary or simply a relaxed local meal, this is an easy venue to keep on the list. The broad menu, kids choices and regular parmi nights give it plenty of practical appeal.
What to Expect at This Lara Restaurant
The current Founders and Co menu is built for mixed groups. You will find familiar pub-style favourites alongside salads, bowls, pasta, seafood, burgers, steak and vegetarian choices.
That variety matters when one person wants a chicken schnitzel, someone else wants a nourish bowl and the kids have already decided that chips are non-negotiable. It is not trying to be a tiny chef-led tasting room. The strength is choice, comfort and an easygoing meal in Lara.
Value is another reason Founders and Co stands out. Prices are always subject to change but as is typical of suburban restaurants Founders and Co offers good value for many, even if it is a bit high in the carb stakes.
That's often a great thing about country destinations. As they rely on repeast customers they generally are great value.
Parmi Night Is the Headline Act
Parmigiana: If parmigiana is your thing, Wednesday and Thursday nights are the obvious time to look at Founders and Co. The venue currently promotes 22 parmi options for $22 each, with the deal running from 5pm.
The main menu also carries several parmigiana variations, from traditional through to fiery, nacho, HSP, Pommy and vegan versions. It is the kind of choice that could turn ordering into a family debate, but at least it is a fun one.
Kids menu: For me, a good local restaurant also needs to work when the kids are part of the plan. Founders and Co has a dedicated menu for ages 12 and under, with familiar choices including chicken nuggets, schnitzel, cheeseburger, spaghetti bolognese, calamari and more.
I really appreciate Founders and Co going this extra mile (or should I say km). The current menu also offers a kids meal deal upgrade with ice cream and a drink. That makes this a practical Lara family dining option rather than somewhere adults have to spend the entire meal negotiating.
Easy stop on the way back to Geelong
After a You Yangs walk or visit to Serendip Santuary a proper and easy meal has a pretty awesome sound to it, especially when nobody wants to cook after a few kilometres on the trail or walk. Founders and Co maybe a perfect lazy option for you without breaking the bank.
Befitting that country vibe mentality, Founders and Co has an extensive alcoholic beverage menu. A bonus being the country pricing you won't find in the city. Look out for their cocktail specials if you are feeling in a frivolous mood! Lol.
Would I Go Back to Founders and Co?
Yes. With a rating of 4 out of 5, Founders and Co lands in that useful sweet spot where I would happily return and recommend it to a friend. The big positives are the broad Western-style menu, family friendly setup, straight forward and good value pricing and the fact that the restaurant is useful for both Lara locals and visitors travelling between Melbourne, Geelong and the You Yangs area, particularly an outing to Serendip Sanctuary or a hike in the You Yangs.
It may make a good stop on a trip from Geelong to Melbourne if you are value conscious, have young kids or don't want to battle looking for carparks in Werribee - this is assuming you want to stop somewhere on your journey rather than heading straight in.
My tip is to choose your visit around what matters most to you. Go on Wednesday or Thursday if the parmi deal is the drawcard, keep the kids menu in mind for family outings, and check the official website before travelling because menus, specials and opening hours can change. For a relaxed Lara meal with plenty of choice, Founders and Co is well worth knowing about.
Trivia: Founders and Co currently promotes 22 different parmi options on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Lara is also the gateway to the distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs Regional Park, one of the best-known hiking and mountain-biking areas between Melbourne and Geelong.
Getting there
Founders and Co is at 77 Station Lake Road, Lara VIC 3212.
When
Open seven days. Current hours are Sunday to Tuesday 11:30am to 8:30pm, Wednesday to Thursday 11:30am to 9:00pm, and Friday to Saturday 11:30am to 9:30pm. Check the official website before visiting, especially on public holidays.
Cost
This is generally a good for value venue. Wednesday and Thursday Parmi Night has special pricing per parmi from 5pm.
Rating: 4
Would I go again: Yes
Would I recommend to a friend: Yes. Good value country styled food at a good price. Eat like a local.
Cuisine Type: Western
Address: 77 Station Lake Road, Lara VIC 3212
Telephone: 0404 508 600
Reviewed by: West Melbourne and Beyond
Founders and Co Lara FAQ
Where is Founders and Co in Lara?
Founders and Co is at 77 Station Lake Road, Lara VIC 3212.
What type of food does Founders and Co serve?
The restaurant serves a broad Western and contemporary Australian-style menu with pub favourites, salads, bowls, pasta, seafood, burgers, steak, vegetarian dishes and kids meals.
Is Founders and Co family friendly?
Yes. The venue describes itself as family friendly and the current menu includes a dedicated kids section for ages 12 and under.
When is Parmi Night at Founders and Co?
Founders and Co currently promotes Parmi Night on Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm, with 22 options.
Is Founders and Co open seven days?
Yes. Current published hours run seven days a week, with later closing times from Wednesday through Saturday.
What can I visit near Founders and Co?
Popular nearby options include Serendip Sanctuary, the You Yangs Regional Park, Little River and Anakie attractions.
Nearby Tourist Destinations
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- Anakie Fairy Park: A family attraction in Anakie with animated fairy-tale scenes, model displays and a large outdoor setting.
- Big Rock, You Yangs: An easy You Yangs stop for granite scenery, short walks and picnic opportunities.
- del Rios Winery: A family-owned winery, restaurant and cellar door at 2290 Geelong-Ballan Road, Anakie.
- Flinders Peak, You Yangs: A popular summit walk with wide views across the plains surrounding Lara.
- Little River Market: A relaxed community market near Lara and the You Yangs with local makers, food vendors and live music when operating.
- Serendip Sanctuary: A Parks Victoria wildlife sanctuary at 100 Windermere Road, Lara with wetlands, grasslands, walking tracks and birdlife.
- You Yangs Regional Park: A major local destination for bushwalking, mountain biking, picnics and sweeping views between Melbourne and Geelong.
Official Website
Check for menu updates, opening hours and more information here: Founders and Co.
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