Mick’s Nuts, a small shop in West End, has served its community for 50 years, maintaining its original charm and product quality, and becoming a local landmark.
A History of Tradition
Established in 1972, Mick’s Nuts on Hardgrave Road has remained a constant in the ever-changing landscape of West End. Brothers George and Emmanuel Conias, the current owners, took over the business in 2014 from the Kallis family, which had run it for 42 years.
The Conias brothers have prioritised preserving the shop’s traditional feel, heeding the advice of long-time customers who urged them not to change a thing. The shop’s distinctive graffiti-style signage, which replaced an old Coca-Cola sign, symbolises its enduring character. The sign came about when a local artist graffitied the old sign, and the then-owners paid him to complete his work.
Community and Connection
Mick’s Nuts is more than just a shop; it’s a community hub. Staff members, like Helen Lagos, who has worked there for 26 years, have seen generations of customers grow. The shop’s atmosphere fosters a sense of family, and staff and customers feel connected.
The shop serves a diverse clientele, reflecting the multicultural nature of West End, and has become a place where people from various backgrounds come together. The shop’s past owner, Mick, passed away in 2022 at age 91.
Products and Quality
The shop offers a wide range of products, including nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and olives, with many items sourced locally or imported from Greece. They also create products on site, such as their popular peanut butter. The Conias brothers believe that buying in bulk and roasting nuts on site ensures the freshness and quality of their products.
This commitment to quality has earned them a loyal customer base, with some customers even ordering online from interstate. The shop also offers online sales, allowing those who cannot physically visit the store to access their products. The online store emphasises the freshness and variety of its products.
Local Impact
Mick’s Nuts has become an integral part of West End’s identity. The shop’s presence reminds the suburb of its history, particularly its connection to the Greek immigrant community. The shop has maintained relevance by focusing on quality products and community connection, becoming a local landmark.
Published Date 03-March-2025
