The tale of the Re Store commences with the story of the Re family. The Australian chapter of this story began in 1885 when Giuseppe Re migrated to Sydney from the Aeolian Island of Salina north of Sicily. Giuseppe spent some time running a grocery and produce store with some of his friends from Italy…
The tale of the Re Store commences with the story of the Re family. The Australian chapter of this story began in 1885 when Giuseppe Re migrated to Sydney from the Aeolian Island of Salina north of Sicily. Giuseppe spent some time running a grocery and produce store with some of his friends from Italy. He heard of the gold discoveries in NSW and Victoria and decided to try his hand at prospecting. Giuseppe was successful in making a discovery worth about 2000 pounds. Tales of the Kalgoorlie Gold Rush made their way to Giuseppe and his friends and they headed West in search of more treasure.
Giuseppe Re lands in Fremantle and tries his luck at prospecting in Kalgoorlie. Giuseppe makes many friends with the large influx of immigrants from Italy on a quest to search for gold.
Giuseppe identifies the need to supply the miners and produce and he opened a deli at 9 High Street, Fremantle. the Fremantle shop is a success and a second shop was opened in James Street, Northbridge named Giuseppe. Re and Sons.
Giuseppe and Carolina give birth to their second eldest son Giovanni (John) Re.
Giuseppe and Carolina had 10 sons, our Grandfather worked in the family business alongside his siblings and became an integral part of the day to day running of Giuseppe. Re and Sons.
After the birth of their first daughter Carolina, John and Maria go out on their own and open a small fruit and vegetable shop opposite St Brigid’s church in Northbridge.
After the birth of their first daughter Carolina, John and Maria go out on their own and open a small fruit and vegetable shop opposite St Brigid’s church in Northbridge.
Our Grandfather married Maria Ruggera in 1929. Maria used her wedding ring as surety to secure capital to start the small fruit and vegetable shop. It was during this time Maria gave birth to their second daughter Adriana in 1933. John and Maria worked very hard during the depression years to earn enough money to put a deposit on five small shops on the corner of Lake and Aberdeen
Streets, Northbridge.
John and Maria open a grocery store on the corner of Lake and Aberdeen streets in Northbridge. The Original Re Store was born. John and Maria’s passion for quality food and good service inspired the foundations of the Re Store today:
John and Maria open a grocery store on the corner of Lake and Aberdeen streets in Northbridge. The Original Re Store was born. John and Maria’s passion for quality food and good service inspired the foundations of the Re Store today:
These are the cornerstones that has kept the Re Store part of the Perth identity for over 80 years.
John began roasting coffee under the brand Braziliano. He designed the artwork and the logo himself. To this day Braziliano coffee can be found in cafes and restaurants around Perth and is one of the largest coffee roasters in Perth.
World War 2 breaks out, the business keeps going during harsh times and Maria gives birth to her 3rd daughter Aurora.
World War 2 breaks out, the business keeps going during harsh times and Maria gives birth to her 3rd daughter Aurora.
The war years were difficult for all trying to run a business and raise a young family. The Re Store gets through these years and in 1945, Maria gave birth to their fourth daughter Anne.
The end of the war saw a large influx of immigrants arrive in Australia from war torn Europe. The Re Store became a home away from home for them, making available Italian foods, books and magazines. John’s insight and ambition saw him expanding their product range and as a result their business grew.
A second Re Store is opened on Stone Street, West Perth. At this point all 4 daughters and their partners are working in the family business establishing the Re Store as it is today.
A second Re Store is opened on Stone Street, West Perth. At this point all 4 daughters and their partners are working in the family business establishing the Re Store as it is today.
The store branched out to selling Alcohol as well as the existing grocery lines. John was the first to open up liquor stores to be a more family friendly environment. Selling a large range of liqueurs spirits wines and ports. They launched their own wine label under the brand name of Farnese. The wine was bought in bulk wooden barrels from South Australia and bottled in store in glass flagons. Farnese wines became a huge success. After this success John went on his first business trip to Melbourne establishing contacts and learning new ideas.
European Foods Wholesalers was established. European Foods supplied a burgeoning hospitality industry in Perth. The Re group expanded once again, importing cheeses, pasta, olive oil, chocolates and many more interesting products from all over Europe.
European Foods Wholesalers was established.
European Foods supplied a burgeoning hospitality industry in Perth. The Re group expanded once again, importing cheeses, pasta, olive oil, chocolates and many more interesting products from all over Europe. Home brands such as Braziliano, Cecilia, Bibo, Toscanina, Silvana and many more were developed.
Agencies for Barilla, Perugina and Ricadonna to name a few, were acquired over these years further strengthening the Family business in Perth. During this time all four daughters and their husbands began working in the family business.
The Re Store in Stone Street moved to their current location at 231 Oxford Street.
The move was due to the building of the new freeway and the Stone Street store was forced to move.
The Re Store in Stone Street moved to their current location at 231 Oxford Street.
The move was due to the building of the new freeway and the Stone Street store was forced to move. The current site was Avante Guarde for its time. The internal fitout showcasing the finest of European Goods and the downstairs cellar, still in existence today a treasure trove of rare and fine wines, chocolates from world renown chocolatiers and a line up of groceries unheard
of in Perth.
The death of John Re aged 83.
Both Re Store’s and European Foods close for John’s funeral, 1000’s attend his funeral.
European foods sold to an external party.
Aurora and Danilo Berti’s three children, Maria, Lorenzo and Moreno use the proceeds from the sale to buy out the two other remaining families (shares) in The Re Stores.
The active involvement of the family continues with this third generation owning and running the Re Stores as you know them today.
European Foods is sold to an external party, Aurora’s Berti’s three children use the proceeds of the sale to buy out the other families shares in Re Store. Today the Re Store is owned and Run by the Berti Family. The Children of Aurora and Danilo Berti, Maria, Lorenzo and Moreno.
The involvement of family continues today with the third generation owning and running the store and their children actively involved serving at the store’s as they are all completing school and studies.
Today our family continues to operate with the same ideals that were the foundations inspired by our Grandparents and Parents.
*Quality Food
*Variety and Choice of Product
*Excellence in Customer Service
*The Importance of Family and Friends
We look forward to continuing to be of service to West Australian families for generations to come.
