Fresh ‘n’ Fruity, located on Cumming Drive in Mount Florida, will have its final day of trading on Tuesday, February 4.
In a post shared on Facebook owners Sardar and Shahida Ali, who opened the store in 1993, revealed they will be retiring but said their last day of trading is sooner than expected as “things progressed quicker than we anticipated”.
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The post read: “With our children now grown up, married and with children of their own, it is now time to enjoy being grandparents full-time.
“When we opened Fresh n Fruity in 1993, our three children were still in school, Meat Loaf’s – ‘I would do anything for love’ was the biggest selling single of the year and the World Wide Web was born.
“We were welcomed and supported by the Mount Florida community from our first day and, and all these years later, that kindness from the community has never wavered.”
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Fresh ‘n’ Fruity is known for it’s wide selection of fruit and veg, as well as other wholefoods, fairtrade, organic, vegan and gluten free products.
Sardar and Shahida said the decision to retire has been “especially difficult” because the shop and local community has been such a big part of their lives.
However, they revealed family run business Zucchini Greengrocers will be taking over their shop.
The post continued: “Our children would come often and our grandchildren have loved helping themselves to the exotic fruit.
“It is made easier by knowing it will be in good hands when we pass the baton to another family run business, Zucchini Greengrocers.
“We wish them and the community of Mount Florida all the best always.”
Members of the local community shared their well wishes in comments.
One person wrote: “Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement but you will both be sorely missed. Much love.”
Another said: “You guys are absolute legends.
“I hope you have a happy and fulfilling retirement. You’ve certainly deserved it.”
A third commented: “Thank you for being wonderful for years and having the best seasonal fruit selection and almost every unusual ingredient I’ve ever wanted.
“Not to mention a fantastic array of interesting chocolate bars.
“Wishing you a long and relaxing retirement enjoying your family.”
