Greek-inspired revamp for much-loved Cottesloe destination
Cottesloe General Stores has a prime location on Marine Parade with sea views and easy access to the beach and has long been a go-to destination to grab a snack, beach essential or souvenir.
Cottesloe local Voula Nelson came out of retirement to take over the store in early March and wanted to bring something new and fresh to the beachfront.
'Part of my motivation to come out of retirement was to give this historic business a brand new look and feel because being a local I felt like it needed some love' Mrs Nelson told Perth Now. A painting of the Greek 'Mati' eye now has prime position on the front exterior wall of the stores. Credit: Cottesloe General Stores/Instagram / Instagram
The renovations included repainting the exterior and interior in crisp white and blue and re-doing the signage. A painting of the Greek 'Mati' eye now has prime position on the front exterior wall of the stores.
'My parents were Greek migrants and hospitality is in my blood and in my culture. The Mati has significant meaning in the Greek culture to ward off the evil eye and to my mind, it is a strongly recognised Greek symbol.' said Mrs Nelson.
The renovation isn't just cosmetic, Mrs Nelson has introduced tasty Greek treats which lean into her heritage. Cottesloe General Stores sell coffees, snacks and souvenirs in a prime beach side location. Credit: Cottesloe General Stores/Instagram / Instagram
'Every day I am sourcing new food and beverage products . . . it is ever evolving, such as getting food imported straight from Greece such as spanakopita, tiropitta and bougatsa.'
Cottesloe General Stores revealed on their Instagram page that Spanakopita is a spinach and feta pastry, Tiropita is a creamy feta pastry and Bougatsa is a pastry with a soft semolina custard filling.
Mrs Nelson is a hospitality veteren; she's worked for iconic Perth operators such as Kate Lamont and Nic Trimboli and this is her third Cottesloe business.
'Being a local it comes with a lot of good will but also great expectation. Big shout out to the beautiful people who I work with, they are just fabulous and we all love what we do' Mrs Nelson said.
Cottesloe General Stores revealed their renovation in an Instagram post which was flooded with positive comments.
'Santorini vibes!! 🤍💙' one person commented.
'Love this clean fresh look. ❤️' another wrote.
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