MANY movers and shakers have struck cool deals over hot coffee in the Greengrocer.
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It’s where the cycling fraternity started and finished races; it’s where Fabio, Allan Border and Paulini ate when in town for the Celebrity Challenge!
For these and many other reasons, many are “devastated’ at the landmark’s loss in Monday’s fire.
A caffeine-deprived Mayor asked yesterday: “Where am I going to get my coffee from now?”
“It was a successful business and a convenient place to meet people,” Cr Geoff Kettle said.
“The loss of any business is disappointing. I am hoping Con [Toparis] can pick up the pieces and start again.”
Hume MP Angus Taylor posted on Facebook: “Devastating for so many of us. This place is like home.”
Members of the cycling fraternity felt “homeless” yesterday.
Prominent cyclist Gerard Walsh said it was “the hub of cycling this side of Sydney. Con was a prominent sponsor of cycling clubs, juniors and seniors, and a great supporter of the sport in general.”
Goulburn Cycle Club President Adam Lambert echoed his comments, adding: “The cycling community is ... feeling lost.”
Former Wallaby and committed cyclist Simon Poidevin said the absence of the Greengrocer would be a great loss to Goulburn.
“It’s made a positive contribution to the city,” he said.
Several years ago, after damaging his bike just before competing in the Goulburn to Sydney Cycle Classic, Mr Toparis had loaned him a shop bike to use, Mr Poidevin said.
Cyclist Chris Berry concurred with the sentiment: “It was an institution for us. All rides started and finished from there,” Mr Berry said.
“Our thoughts go out to Con and his family. He has been a great supporter of cycling in Goulburn and the district over the past 10 years.”
Mr Berry said a ride was still planned to leave from outside the Greengrocer on Saturday morning.