Damian and his brother Joe have run the Galluzzo family’s grocery business in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Glebe for most of their adult lives.
The Galluzzo family grocery was started 90 years ago by Damian’s grandfather Salvatore, a migrant from Italy’s Calabria. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
Locally, the fruit and vegetable store is famous for its street-side displays.
Because his kids don’t want to take it on, he is gradually handing the business over to new owners.
Damian Galluzzo continues to work at the grocery established by his family in 1934. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
However, old habits are hard to break.
“It’s very exciting there early in the morning, it’s like a different world.”
It may be the end of an era for the Galluzzo family, but Damian remains fiercely proud of the business that was started 90 years ago by grandfather Salvatore, a migrant from Italy’s Calabria.
Damian Galluzzo’s mum Melina and his grandfather Salvatore. Source: Supplied / Damian Galluzzo
He opened the doors in 1934 during the Great Depression when unemployment in NSW hit a staggering 32 per cent.
Those friends and customers stayed loyal as Salvatore grew the venture, eventually handing the reins to his son Frank who later passed it on to his sons: Joe and Damian.
Damian Galluzzo (third from left) with his siblings. Source: Supplied / Damian Galluzzo
“I’m the youngest of seven, the baby boy of seven. Growing up in the family with six brothers and one sister. That was fantastic,” says Damian.
Though Damian qualified for mechanical engineering and dreamed of designing cars, he started full-time in the family business after finishing high school at the age of 18.
The interior of the Galluzzo family grocery. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
“I was doing what my grandfather did. But they worked seven days a week, and so did we initially, then we stopped doing seven days and cut back to six days.
“We have a deli and now it’s Italian influence and we stock a lot of pastas, cheeses, smallgoods and cold meats,” he says. “So it adds value for people.”
Daniel (left) and Josh Flamminio are new owners of the fruit store. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
However, Damian says their best move was finding another pair of brothers with Italian heritage this year, to take over the business.
“They’ve got energy and vision, which is what this place needs.”
The store’s original facade displays its foundation date of 1934. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
Out of respect for the store’s long history, it’s now known as Galluzzo Fruiterers by Dan and Josh.
The Flamminio family migrated in the 1950s from Italy’s Abruzzo, east of Rome. Daniel says they have big plans to grow the business, which will draw on some Flamminio family traditions.
Damian Galluzzo (centre) with new owners Josh Flamminio (left) and brother Daniel. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
“We have had plenty of experience on the smallgoods side,” says Josh Flamminio.
Like most family business owners, they are cautious about expanding too fast in current economic conditions.
The Galluzzo deli in Glebe. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
“To purchase an iconic store like this, it’s a humongous risk,” says Daniel.
“So, currently what we’re focusing on is the wholesale side of the business — cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs.”
So perhaps a little brotherly love is what matters most?
Damian Galluzzo (left) with his mother Melina (centre) and brother Joe. Source: Supplied / Damian Galluzzo
“During tough times, my brother and I supported each other and hopefully that’s why we’re still here,” says Damian.
“If Josh and I are around for the next 10 years, and we haven’t killed ourselves, then we will celebrate an amazing party for the 100th year,” says Daniel.