Con’s Fine Food marks 60 years at the Adelaide Central Market

It’s a party year at the Adelaide Central Market. As the market itself clocks up 150 years, Con’s Fine Food’s turns 60 this month.

Con Savvas, 84, at his stall, Con’s Fine Foods. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

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It’s a year of celebration at the Adelaide Central Market. As the market itself clocks up 150 years, Con’s Fine Foods turns 60 this month.

Con Savvas, 84, founded the stall with his brothers and is the longest-serving trader still working at the market.

Not that he appears behind the counter these days. He said he leaves that to sons Alex and Ross; middle son Anthony was also part of the business for many years.

In 1959, Mr Savvas had been working at Star Grocery for nine years, and decided “it’s time for me to move out and do something”.

Bringing a taste of his Greek heritage to Adelaide proved a good move.

Con’s has had a number of outlets through the years, and moved into its present stall, number 18, in 1966 when the market was rebuilt.

`Back in the day, Mr Savvas recalled, Germans used to line up on one side for their smallgoods, and Greeks and Italians on the other.

But some things remain the same. Bacon has always been the top selling product, and fresh produce and friendly service remain crucial.

He said it’s the personal service that makes the market special.

“You’ve got to have the right people behind the counters,” Mr Savvas said.

Alex Savvas said they know many of their regulars by name, and some have become close friends.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be here,” Alex said.