But nuts have exploded into the mainstream in Tamworth and residents are, quite frankly, going nuts for them.

The first specialist nut shop in regional Australia, Nut Kingdom, recently opened at City Plaza and the store’s owners are using the city as a test site for a possible national franchise.

From the humble unsalted peanut to exotic tandoori-flavoured cashews, the brightly coloured shop has captured locals’ attention – and taste buds.

Co-owner Asis Kahn’s father has run a successful nut business in his native India for the past 15 years and when the family decided to open a similar business in Australia, Tamworth was their first choice.

“We chose Tamworth because of the music festival and because people seem to be very interested in nuts here,” Mr Kahn said.

“People seem very excited when they see us and often remark that this sort of shop was needed.

“We want to see how this goes and make it a franchise all around Australia.”

The store boasts 50 different types of nut flavours and a range of dried fruits and other snacks.