Avenue Rd shops in Mosman receive welcome boost with the opening of a new Greengrocer.

By ANNA USHER

Avenue Rd shops in Mosman have received a much-welcomed boost, with the return of a Greengrocer to the tiny local hub.

Persica is the latest fruit and vegetable business to move into the landmark store, that has seen three separate traders try – and fail – to replicate the success of Jimmy and Toula Koustoubardis, who retired in 2019.

Owner Sara Kamyab-Roshani told Mosman Collective she is looking forward to serving the lower north shore community with fresh produce, along with some new offerings to tempt local shoppers.

“We have the best fruit and vegetables, and also can now supply residents with fresh nut butters made-on-the-spot that are truly unique,” she said.

“We can make peanut butter, walnut butter and even pistachio butter.

“The store is also making fresh juices, smoothies and wonderful fruit platters.”

Ms Kamyab-Roshani said Persica, named after an ancient Persian flower, also plans to make fresh yoghurts and dips in the coming weeks.

“We decided to rename the store and allow it to enter a new era as ‘Persica’,” she said, “it’s in such a great location and I am thrilled to join the bustling streetscape on Avenue Rd.”

Ms Kamyab-Roshani told Mosman Collective the store will be open from 7am to 7pm (Monday-Friday), and 8am-2pm on weekends.

Avenue Rd has been without a Greengrocer since May, when Som Banerjee, who took on the business in September 2023, said rising costs had made it “impossible” to keep the iconic store open.

“It is heartbreaking for me to close the shop, but we have been left with no option,” he said at the time, “I feel thoroughly defeated.”

Mr Banerjee said that cost of living pressures, the arrival of Woolworths Metro on Military Rd, and a rent increase had taken him to a “breaking point.”

Commercial Real Estate agent Patrick Cowie, who looks after 58a Avenue Rd, told Mosman Collective the owner of the shop was determined to keep it as a fruit and vegetable offering.

“The shop front is recognised Sydney-wide as an original 1960s greengrocer, and we are so lucky to have it as part of our local fabric,” he said.