Closure of Bossley Park General Store and Deli Marks End of an Era

The renowned Bossley Park General Store and Deli, a staple of the community since its establishment in 1953, has closed its doors after seven decades in operation. The closure is due to the landlord’s decision necessitating the move of owners Enzo and Franca di Federico, who have run the shop for the past 15 years.

The beloved deli, widely recognized for its authentic European cuisine, especially Italian fare, has been more than a food establishment for the locals. It served as a communal gathering spot, where generations met to enjoy meals and share stories. Enzo di Federico referred to the shop as a ‘home on a plate’ for both themselves and their community.

Franca di Federico revealed to 7NEWS the emotional responses from patrons to the news of the shop’s closure, stating, “I’ve had young people… I’ve had old people in tears crying.” Operations manager Paula Borges highlighted the deli’s role beyond being a shop, describing it as a crucial community hub: “A place like this brings in the community … it just can’t be replicated … and that’s the saddest part.”

Despite initial apprehensions about managing a food-based business, Franca’s passion for Italian cuisine helped transform the deli into a local favorite. The deli’s offerings, particularly their signature paninis, gained widespread acclaim, with social media users praising them as “the dopest Italian sandwich ever” on platforms like Instagram.

The decision to close was bittersweet for the di Federico family, particularly as they have witnessed many emotional responses from loyal customers whose lives intertwined with the store. Enzo expressed the profundity of the decision, “I’ve never felt anything so painful … not just for us, but for our staff and the community.” Nevertheless, the family resolves to retire, marking the end of an era.

News of the closure was announced on social media, explaining the end of the shop’s tenancy as the landlord plans alternative uses for the site. The message thanked the patrons and concluded with a heartfelt farewell, “Thank you for being part of this journey with us, we will miss you all dearly.” The store’s final day of operation was October 6.