Famous for its pies and late night opening hours, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels is expanding into the Asian and American markets, after interest sparked from Manila and the United States east coast.

Established in the 1930s, the business was bought by one-time Vietnam soldier, Michael Hannah, in 1988 who has expanded it into ten franchises, reports news.com.au on July 29 2013.

Hannah is flying out to Manila to speak with a businessman who hopes to open the pie shop in 12 shopping centres.

“The guy in Manila wants to establish a bakery up there too,” Hannah said. “But we’re still in talks about that. I don’t see why we can’t produce the pies here.

“The pastry is made from Australian wheat and our beef pies are from grass-fed yearling topside which we butcher ourselves.

“Maintaining control of the quality is important, and you have to protect your recipes and methods.”

When he returns, he will meet with an American conglomerate who wants to set up a bakery and shops on the US east coast.

Harry’s started off as a fast food caravan in 1938, serving naval personnel from nearby Garden Island, pub and club patrons and celebrities.

Founded by Harry “Tiger” Edwards, nicknamed for his boxing skills, the van was opened to cater for the lack of late night eating spots around the area.

Harry then added “Cafe de Wheels” to the name when the city council back then insisted mobile food caravans move at least 12 inches a day.

Over the years, celebrities that have dined at Harry’s include Frank Sinatra, Colonel Sanders, Olivia Newtown-John, Russell Crowe, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, Robert Mitchum, Shirley MacLaine and Phyllis Diller.

“Harry’s was a meeting place where social classes intersected,” Hannah said. “It represented something quintessential about the personality of Sydney.”

“I believe if you can make it here you can make it over there – yep, it’s a reverse of what Frank Sinatra sang.”