Proud owners of The Nut Shoppe in Fyshwick, the Elmirs believe working with family is a gift. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Spending all day, every day with your parents and siblings might seem nutty to some, but this local family loves working alongside their nearest and dearest.
The Nut Shoppe first opened its doors at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets in 2008, when Mohamad (Moe) Elmir and his parents, Wassef and Ghada, decided to create a business together.
“Mum and Dad moved to Australia in the 1980s. Dad started up Canberra’s first mixed-use market shop back then, selling goods similar to The Nut Shoppe,” Moe says.
“When we saw the opportunity to build something new as a family, we jumped right on it. My parents really know their stuff so it was a no-brainer to do it with them.
“Working with family is unique, it’s a real gift. Everyone puts their heart and soul into the business equally, which creates something truly special to be passed down through the generations.”
Stocking more than 2000 freshly packed ingredients and international foods, The Nut Shoppe is known for its quality gluten-free products, roasted and unroasted nuts, dried fruits, beans and legumes, cereal, muesli, herbs, spices, jams, and genuine Lebanese groceries.
Moe says the team of 12, which includes his wife and sister, has developed a somewhat famous ability to track down particularly niche or in-demand goods.
“I once hunted around for the best rose harissa and achiote spice pastes for two months. It was for two regulars who couldn’t find what they needed locally,” he says.
“It made their day when I finally got the products in, and that made my day.
“If you need something really special, just ask and we will always be happy to help out if we can. You don’t get that at the supermarket.”
The Nut Shoppe is renowned for its immense range, which takes up every nook and cranny in the lively store. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The Elmirs offer keen advice on which products will best suit your cooking needs, even divulging the occasional recipe secret to lucky regulars. But make no mistake, The Nut Shoppe is open to everyone.
“Whether you want to create a perfect spread of glazed and dried fruit for Christmas, try your hand at a tricky traditional dish or just pick up some groceries, we can give you a hand,” Moe says.
“The market is so diverse and attracts people from all over the city, so we are always happy to welcome new customers along with people we know well.”
Moe recently added another feather to his cap, taking over Fyshwick’s Cedar Husk Bakery in September. The bakery offers a unique delivery service, considering requests from followers on social media to determine which suburbs the truck travels to when it’s out and about.
The Nut Shoppe team particularly enjoys the sense of community at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, which features many other independent businesses.
“People working in the shop next door or around the corner become family too, when you’ve been here for as long as we have. So do the shoppers,” Moe says.
“Over the last 15 years we’ve seen little kids become big kids, and big kids bring their own families… But we still get to see new faces every day. It’s like nothing else.”
As well as their shopfront at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Moe and his family can be found at Cedar Husk Bakery, Haig Park Village Markets (Braddon) and Southside Farmers Market (Phillip) on Sundays, and Murrumbateman Village Market every second Saturday.
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