Re Store
A legacy of food and family
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Northbridge’s well known Re Store was opened by Giovanni (John) Re and his wife Maria in 1936.
John Re followed in his father Giuseppe’s enterprising footsteps.
Giuseppe Re had migrated from Italy to Australia during the 1880s goldrushes, arriving in Western Australia in 1894. Seeing the demand for Italian goods amongst other new arrivals he started a mercantile business in Fremantle. He went on to establish Giuseppe Re & Sons delicatessen in James Street Northbridge in the early 1900s.
The original Re Store buildings in Lake Street Northbridge in the late 1930s.
Courtesy the Re Family -
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 -
Inside the West Perth Re Store in the 1950s.
Courtesy the Re Family -
In the 2000s John Re’s descendants continue to be inspired by the idea that ‘Food and drink doesn’t just feed people, it brings families together.’
One of the Re Store delivery vehicles in the 1950s.
Courtesy the Re Family
The Re Store
72 Lake Street, Northbridge
With thanks to Lorenzo Berti and family