This July, we’re celebrating 40 years of the Fishmonger in Hurstville.

George, along with his father, wife, and children, has become a familiar presence at Westfield Hurstville. As one of the centre’s longest-running stores, the Fishmonger is a true family business, now spanning three generations. For decades, the team has been serving the local community fresh, high-quality seafood.

We sat down with George to discover what’s changed over the years, what’s kept them going, and the secret to running a family business for 40 years.

1. This year marks 40 years in business and three generations of family ownership. Looking back, what are you most proud of, and what do you think has been the secret to your longevity?
We believe strongly in family, in family values, and in family support. We are a very close-knit family who support one another during good & bad times. Our work ethic consists of honesty, integrity, and hard work.
In the 1950s, grand-dad "papou", Nick, started in this business in what was a new country for him, through long hours, persistence, and sheer hard work, assimilating and loving all Australian values.
I continued in my father's footsteps with dad by my side. We have been working together for 40 years!
Our children, wives, and many family members have had their "apprenticeships" at "The Fishmongers"; a lesson in family, communication, respect, and hard work has kept us close together.
I guess my proudest achievement is my family, their support, love, and respect to assist each other throughout the years.

2. How has the business evolved over the past four decades, and what are some of the biggest changes you've seen in your industry and local community?
Business is continuously evolving and we have seen so many changes in demographics, financial changes, and consumer buying behaviour.
In the early years, customers had more time, more money, and many women were stay-at-home mums. Purchases included whole fish, whole prawns, and there was always a demand for fresh seafood.
Over time, customers have less time, many women are working, and families are on a tight budget. So we have seen more demand for 'quicker' options, such as boneless fillets, peeled prawns, and fresh and convenient options.
Demographics have changed from mostly Anglo-Europeans to a largely Asian community, and we have shifted our offering toward fresh live crabs, lobsters, and a wonderful Sashimi selection.

3. Being a family-owned business often means your customers become part of your extended family. Is there a customer story or memorable moment that perfectly captures what your business is all about?
We have grown together with our customers. Many have seen us marry, have children, and have our children married - and we have seen the same of our customers. We know many of them by their first names, and love having a weekly chat with them.
One of our many lovely customers, 'Pascal', used to bring her children as toddlers to the shop. We watched them grow, go to university, and then become successful restauranteurs.
We also go to their establishments often to dine and feel as though they are part of our extended family.
This is only one story of many of our customers, some becoming close friends over the years.
We cherish each and every customer, especially with their trust in us and continued positive feedback - it makes our day :)

4. With three generations involved, how have family values shaped the way you do business, and what traditions have been passed through the years?
Once again, we are ourselves and best friends, although at times we can be 'tested' as home and work can become one. But that's short lived as our mutual respect for one another is stronger than any argument.
We have grown up with traditional values of love, respect, and hard work through the generations and it has been cemented over the years.

5. As you celebrate this incredible milestone, what message would you like to share with the customers and community who have supported your business over the last 40 years, and what are you excited about for the future?__
We feel honoured by the support and love of our customers throughout the years, without them this journey would not have lasted as long. We are deeply grateful.
As challenging as the road ahead feels, what keeps us going is their support and the support we have for one another.
We're not sure what lies ahead but if love and respect is there, the road feels worthy of the travel...and a nice holiday wouldn't go astray! :)

P.S. We have been asked many many questions over 40 years but the prize goes to...drumroll..."Do oysters have bones?" That remains embedded in our minds forever! :)

*Note: no, oysters do not have bones