Koko’s Pizza: Freshwater pizza shop bids farewell after 30 years

A northern beaches business which has served the community pizza for nearly 30 years is to close later this month.

The Bomoushkian family outside their shop Koko’s Pizza. Pictured from left to right is Lina, George and their son Varant. Picture: Madelaine Wong

One of the longest surviving shops in Freshwater run by a local grandmother and grandfather is set to close after nearly 30 years.

It comes after residents have voiced concerns over a number of empty shops in the once bustling village centre.

Long time owners Lina and George Bomoushkian working in the kitchen of Koko’s Pizza in Freshwater. Picture: Supplied

Koko’s Pizza on Moore Rd was passed down from family to Lina and George Bomoushkian 20 years ago when they arrived in Australia from Armenia.

Their son Varant said his parents were meant to retire and sell the business earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic put their plans on hold.

“In March we had a family who were about to purchase the business but the COVID lockdown rolled out and so they pulled out from signing the papers,” Mr Bomoushkian said.

The Bomoushkian family in their shop Koko's Pizza in Freshwater. Picture: supplied

“It actually happened one day before the lockdown was announced so we’ve just hung onto the business until now. The previous landlord sold all his properties in Freshwater to new owners who want to start their own business here.

“The timing coincides with my parents’ plans to retire but because we have a date set where we have to vacate time is running out. We don’t know if we’ll be able to sell our business in time but we’ve accepted that and we’re grateful for our time here.”

Hard working couple Lina and George Bomoushkian have made special memories at their pizza shop Koko's in Freshwater. Pictured with their granddaughter. Picture: supplied

The shop is covered in signs announcing the business is for sale.

“It’s been a tough year with COVID. Our biggest struggle was at the very start when the first lockdown hit.

“Our sales were down 30 to 40 per cent. It was a scary few weeks but it improved and we have been doing quite well. The local community has been amazing.

“We’re hoping that the right people will come across the opportunity and re-create Koko’s 2.0 and bring it back to Freshwater.

“There are lots of empty shops sitting there and they can give it their own twist. Freshwater needs a little life back.”

Brothers Varant (left) and Reggie (right) Bomoushkian at Koko's Pizza which is closing down. Picture: supplied

Mr Bomoushkian said it was time for his parents to depart from the business after 20 years of working long hours and late nights.

“My parents have three sons and we have our own jobs and businesses but help out in the evenings. They’ve been very busy so it’s time for them to slow down now.”

The little restaurant, which predominantly serves takeaway, is renowned for its pizza bases which take 24 hours to make using a “special method”.

The pizza shop will remain open until Australia Day.