John Marshall, aka Mr Frugii, has been described as a passionate man who revolutionised the dessert scene in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
Frugii Dessert Laboratory is shutting its doors at the end of the month after the death of ice cream magician John Marshall almost four months ago at age 62.
Better known as Mr Frugii, Mr Marshall started the Frugii Dessert Laboratory in Braddon six years ago with his wife Ed, almost 15 years after he decided to leave his IT job.
His ice cream explorations started after he bought a classic two-litre ice cream machine from the old Italian deli in Narrabundah. Mr Marshall began experimenting with unique flavour combinations in the basement of his family home before he established Frugii and shared roasted garlic ice cream, pistachio and cherry essence, spearmint and salted caramel with the curious and adventurous.
On social media yesterday, his wife Ed and son Leon announced the family could not go on without their beloved Mr Frugii.
“After long deliberation and heartache, Ed and Leon have decided to draw the curtains on Frugii,” the store wrote on social media.
“Without our beloved John (Mr Frugii), we are unable to continue. Thank you for your unwavering support during our Frugii Journey.”
John Marshall (Mr Frugii), his son Leon and his wife Ed ran the iconic Frugii Dessert Laboratory in Braddon for six years. Photo: mrfrugii Instagram.
Tributes again flowed in over social media for the company, with hundreds of Canberrans reminiscing about the ice cream icon.
“Thank you John, Ed, Leon and Frugii for all the memories over the years,” one user wrote on Instagram.
“So many breakfast affogatos, late-night coffee and ice cream runs with mates; the gift vouchers for JETAA Trivia Night; getting caught by Ros from Soulution yoga buying gelato straight after class; impressing my crush with Malaysian ‘fart medicine’ (tolak angin) ice cream; sharing sorbet cones with my girlfriend, sharing ice cream with my cat!; impressing my parents visiting from Sydney … so so many good times and memories.”
“We will never forget you. I’m so glad to have all the memories and photos. Wishing you truly, truly the best with what you all do next.”
Another wrote, “Such a loss for us all but completely understand- all the best to you both for the future.”
Frugii Dessert Laboratory will close its doors on 30 June. The company said it would honour all gift vouchers.
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