Community farewell organised for iconic Pattersons Produce

After 95 years of trade in the Brisbane bayside, Pattersons Produce will close their doors next Saturday. The community has organised a farewell for the iconic business.

Pattersons Produce owners will Josh Rabe, Laurima Rabe and Peter Rabe close their doors on June 29. Picture: Renae Droop

THE bayside community will come together next weekend to farewell one of its oldest businesses.

Pattersons Produce has been operating in Wynnum since 1925, but next Saturday at 12pm, owner Peter Rabe will close the doors to his shop for the last time.

Pattersons Produce’s long history in Wynnum

Mr Rabe, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, said it was an “end of an era”.

“I’m a bit sad to see it go, but I’ve go to focus on my health now,” he said.

Pattersons Produce float in the 1987 Wynnum Spring Parade. Pattersons won the best display that year.

Fellow business owner Nicholas Walls of Capalaba Produce has organised a send off for Mr Rabe.

“It’s the least we can do,” Mr Walls said.

“So he knows how much his store has contributed to the community for so many years and that he will be sorely missed.”

The Wynnum-Manly Juniors Rugby League Football Club will hold a barbecue at the Tingal Rd store, that will be open from 8am until 12pm, as well as a massive clearance sale.

Mr Rabe wished to thank everyone for their support.

“I want to thank everyone, all our customers for their support over the years,” he said.

“Thanks for the memories and to all the people that have come in to say they were sorry to see us go.”