After nearly four decades behind the counter, Manuel and Nitsa Kotis are retiring from Fannie Bay Supermarket, marking the end of an era for the Darwin community.
New owners from Western Australia have taken over the business, and the Kotis couple will formally step away at the end of the month after a handover period.
They plan to travel to Europe, including a stop in Prague for a liquor conference, before returning to Darwin in October.
“As of today, I’m officially unemployed,” Manuel, 76, said with a smile. “Well yes I am, because I’m starting to get bored already.”
He added, “You work for almost 40 years, seven-days a week, then you go to zero… it’s a big transition.”
The farewell was marked with a street party attended by hundreds of loyal customers.
Manuel, who moved to Darwin from Greece as a child, reflected on the years of early mornings, late nights, and tireless dedication to maintaining a much-loved local business.
“Nitsa’s been the backbone of the business,” he said.
“She’s worked hard making the creamed rice every day, the cakes and the fresh food. The food recipes were all hers.”
In a heartfelt message, the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Territory said: “The curtain falls today… A journey marked by hard work, integrity, consistency, and deep connection with the local community comes to an end. People like you are truly unique.”
Source: NT News.
