Voula Delios’ former North Hobart Grocer reborn as a boutique bottleshop

The much-loved shop of late North Hobart grocer Voula Delios has been reborn as a boutique bottleshop.

Blackhearts and Sparrows manager and co-owner Corey Warner in the newly opened store. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

THE much-loved store of late North Hobart grocer Voula Delios has been reborn as a boutique bottleshop.

Melbourne-based wine specialists Blackhearts and Sparrows, who have nine stores in Victoria and the ACT, opened their first Tasmanian venture at the Elizabeth St site on Friday evening.

Brother and sister team Paul and Jessica Ghaie will include an in-store tribute to Mrs Delios, who was stabbed to death in the store almost three years ago.

“We are having a plaque made up for Voula at the moment and will be installing it along with a beautiful plant at the entrance of the store,” Mr Ghaie said.

“We’re super excited to finally be open and to join the amazing Hobart food and beverage scene — we’ve had an incredible response across the weekend.”

The killing of Mrs Delios shocked the community and prompted an outpouring of grief.

The Delios family, who still own the property, gave the new venture their seal of approval last year.

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A group of local businesses and residents had proposed to reopen the shop as a grocery co-op, but eventually opted against the move.

Michael Blackburn, of neighbouring business Raincheck Lounge, said the opening of a new business at the tragic site was warmly welcomed by the close-knit community.

“It was quite a traumatic event for everyone,” he said.

“I think for some people it provides a sense of closure on some of those feelings from the incident. Also it’s nice to have a new business entering the strip — we’re all very close and we don’t see other businesses as competition.”