John worked with his father and brothers for many years. In 1931 he and Maria set up their own fruit and vegetable stall using her wedding ring as security. Success led them to purchase a row of shops on the corner of Lake and Aberdeen Streets as a permanent premises in 1936 and the Re Store was born.
From this time, the business grew. John began roasting coffee, creating the popular coffee brand Braziliano, and the family established a wholesale food import business and a second store in Leederville.
Giovanni (John) and his daughter Aurora outside the Lake Street store in the 1940s.
Courtesy the Re Family