End of an era as old-school deli to close its doors

Sue Jacobs has served generations of customers at Port Pirie’s iconic Fast and Fresh deli.

The old-school store has been operating for more than 50 years; for the past 30 by current owner Ian Gray.

But on Friday the beloved deli’s doors will close for the last time because of Mr Gray’s ill health.

Sue Jacobs, who manages the store, said she had struggled to come to terms with the decision.

“The day that I actually shut this door and walk away … I don’t really know how I’m going to feel yet because it hasn’t really sunk in.”

She said the deli would be missed because of the personal relationships maintained with customers.

“We have talks with them about things you’d never believe.

“I started here when my youngest son was two years of age, and he’s now 29 and a father himself.

“My grandson comes to work with on me on Saturdays and on Thursdays sometimes, and when he comes he runs amok just like my kids did.

“The kids are the same as they were 27 years ago.” 

The Slush Puppie machine has been a favourite for 30 years.

“They’re not one of those drinks that you can just get off the shelf and it’s just so popular,” Ms Jacobs said.

“We don’t get our flavours from South Australia, we get them from Queensland, and there’s a special base which is a secret ingredient which makes the slush different.” 

Tough competition with chain stores

Ms Jacobs said chain stores were making it difficult for local businesses to operate. 

“We don’t have the name [recognition], but we do have the friendliness of a small town community service that actually used to put back into the community all the time.

“If people wanted raffle [prizes], we’d put back in and that’s what people like in a small town.

“The [chain stores] can come in and wipe you out — we noticed the difference as soon as [they] came in.

“Even when Coles and Woolworths opened until later at night, people would go there because it is cheaper.

“That’s understandable because we are all in the same boat, but the fact is you don’t get that one-on-one customer service.”

She said the deli would still be “plodding along” if it wasn’t for Mr Gray’s illness.

“It does alright, we hold our own, and I think it’s customers who really do that for us, that help us.”