Pattersons Produce in Wynnum to close its doors next month

A Brisbane bayside business which was founded almost 100 years ago has announced it will close its doors for good next month.

Pattersons Produce is closing its doors.

AN iconic business on Brisbane’s bayside which was founded almost 100 years ago has announced it will close its doors for good next month.

Pattersons Produce Pet and Garden Supplies owner Peter Rabe made the announcement today on the shop’s Facebook page, saying the reason behind the closure was to look after his health after being diagnosed with cancer in 2015.

Pattersons Produce has been operating in Wynnum since 1925 on Tingal Rd before Mal and Laurima Rabe took it over in 1975 and moved it to its current location at 234 Tingal Rd, where it has remained ever since.

“Laurima (Peter’s mum), now 91 and very much still a spring chicken, is looking to hang up the keys. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and after multiple operations and rounds of treatment have decided it is time to slow down and put my feet up,” Mr Rabe said in the Facebook post.

“Given our long history and passion for the local Wynnum Manly community, this has not been an easy decision for the family to reach and June 30 will be a very sad day for all.

“The team at Pattersons, including our beloved Henry, the cockatoo, would like to thank all of our loyal customers and suppliers. It has been a pleasure serving our local community over the last 45 years and we will miss you all very much.

“We hope to see you in the shop before we close our doors or on the streets of our community.”

Mr Rabe, who was born and grew up in Wynnum, said it was being part of the special bayside community which he loved the most.

“I feel like for the most part, we gave all of our customers a good, local, old school experience,” he said.

“It’s kind of like going back in time when you come into Pattersons.

“I hope people come in as much as they can before we close and share stories with us and say hello or ‘Peter we hated the experience’ or that they loved it, either way we would just love to see as much as the local community as we can before we close.”

Pattersons is one of the oldest businesses in Wynnum, behind Bartons and Perrys Fruit, and Labor city councillor Peter Cumming said it was a shame the legendary shop was closing.

“We’re sad to see the store go but hopefully Peter can take the time to look after his health and get better,” he said.