Former St Bernards Fruit and Veg Market owner John Kapiris to launch new pizza bar Kapiris Land

A controversial Adelaide greengrocer who made national headlines - repeatedly - over a series of flamboyant stunts and dramas says he’s following his dreams with a new venture.

The man behind a controversial greengrocer in Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs is following his dreams and launching a new pizza bar next month.

Outspoken entrepreneur John Kapiris, who founded St Bernards Fruit and Veg Market almost 15 years ago, will open Kapiris Land on Payneham Road in mid-December, taking over the former Ferrari’s Pizza Bar bar site.

“St Bernards was a stepping stone, a learning phase. I’ve wanted to open a pizza bar for over a decade, and now it’s finally happening,” he said.

Almost 12 months after selling St Bernards, Mr Kapiris said his new venture will serve up a mix of budget-friendly classics and daring innovations.

“I want my prices to be the most competitive in Adelaide. Do not compare me with Domino’s or other crap out there,” he said.

John Kapiris inside his former St Bernards Fruit and vegetable store in Rostrevor. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

John Kapiris with his pizzas.

John Kapiris in front of his new pizza bar on Payneham Road.

Among the unique offerings will be the ‘Big Daddy’, a huge triangle pizza slice with its own customised box.

With a focus on South Australian producers, Mr Kapiris has plans to open four stores across Adelaide in the next two years.

“This isn’t just a pizza bar. It’s about bringing people together, creating something memorable and I can’t wait to share it with Adelaide,” he said.

Mr Kapiris has made headlines over the years through his use of St Bernard’s social media accounts. In 2022, the colourful grocer unleashed a viral rant on supermarket chains for “jacking up their f***ing prices”, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.