Galluzzo Fruiters, Sydney's Oldest Grocer, Sold After 90 Years of Family Ownership

Galluzzo Fruiters, Sydney's oldest grocer, has been sold after 90 years of family ownership in Glebe, ending four generations of Galluzzo family management since Salvatore Galluzzo opened the store in 1934. The business was passed down from Salvatore to his son Frank Galluzzo and his wife Melina, and then to Damian and Joe Galluzzo, the current owners, more than 30 years ago.

The Galluzzo brothers decided to sell the business as they were getting tired, sometimes working 16 to 18 hours a day, and their oldest brother had recently passed away. "We're getting tired, we don't want to burden our own children with running the store," said Damian Galluzzo. The new owners, Joshua and Daniel Flamminio, are another set of brothers who have supplied fruit and vegetables to some of Sydney's top chefs.

Despite the changes over the past 90 years, the daily work at the store has remained similar to Salvatore's time, including the 2am trips to the market. The Galluzzo brothers are the youngest of seven siblings who all grew up above the shop, with some pursuing other professions like pharmacy, dentistry, and law. The business has survived through various challenges, such as the arrival of the shopping center at Broadway and the closure of the nearby Valhalla Cinema.

Why this matters: The sale of Galluzzo Fruiters marks the end of an era for a long-standing family-owned business that has been a fixture in Sydney's Glebe community for nearly a century. The story highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in adapting to changing times and the dedication required to maintain a successful enterprise across multiple generations.

The Galluzzo brothers will help the new owners for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition. While they have no regrets about falling short of a century of family ownership, Damian Galluzzo will miss his weekly phone order from the shop's oldest customer, Norma Hawkins, who is 101 years old. The new owners, Joshua and Daniel Flamminio, plan to keep operating the store as it is, upholding the Galluzzo family's focus on quality and customer service that has made Galluzzo Fruiters a beloved institution in Glebe for 90 years.

Key Takeaways

• Galluzzo Fruiters, Sydney's oldest grocer, sold after 90 years of family ownership.
• The business was passed down through 4 generations of the Galluzzo family since 1934.
• The Galluzzo brothers sold due to fatigue and the recent passing of their oldest brother.
• The new owners, Joshua and Daniel Flamminio, plan to maintain the store's legacy.
• The sale marks the end of a long-standing family-owned business in the Glebe community.