Alex

“Back in the 1920’s was when my Uncle Paul started the fruit shop and that was in Woodlark St. He had a big red moustache and red hair which was unusual for a Greek man and he always wore a suit even in the fruit shop. He was very proud and always wanted to look his best. He brought my father Spero out from Greece who’s mother had passed away giving birth to twins. Dad was only 12 then and learnt English in about 6 months. Uncle Paul and my father worked in Lismore together for 15 years until the early 40’s when Uncle Paul died. At this stage the shop was in Keen St called The Fruit Exchange and then moved across to The Fundamentals Foods site.

Spero had started wholesaling to his customers and would travel along dirt roads to Stanthorpe and the then 6 hour trip to Brisbane for supplies. He had the first big lorry in Lismore and would fall asleep at the wheel sometimes but the truck new where he had to go. He was always so tired because half the building was the fruit shop and the other half was a gambling establishment called the Continental Club. It had saloon doors and all the big shots and high rollers would come down from Brisbane..Big money and the police turned a blind eye.

We were next to the Satay Hut for a while and also around in Woodlark St for 3 years but ended up back here which is the original family store where it originally began. When my father bought it he changed it into a milk bar called The Wonder Bar and sold a few specialty lines of fruit and it was then sold to Harry Crethars father and they named it Crethars Wonder Bar. Harry Crether then married my sister so it was still basically in the family.

I started in the business when I was 5 years old. Sometimes I’d wag school and go with dad to the markets at Rocklea. He’d start to fall asleep and ask me to take the wheel. I learned to drive a semi at an early age. My wife Margaret and my sons and I realise that a good business enhances the lives of those that work in it and we care about our customers.

One day I’ll retire, the writings on the wall with the multinationals who have control of everything now, and the markets around take a bit of business away as well. I love my chats with my customers here in Lismore, my interaction with the public especially the kids from RED INC. I have a lot of fun with them.”

Tropicana’s Keen St Lismore.