“All that hard work and effort… We’re just dumbfounded, gobsmacked,” former Crestwood shop owner, Bob Whitney, told the Post.
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He and his wife, Carol, owned the Friendly Grocer from 2005-2010 and “couldn’t believe it” when they heard the shop had gone up in flames.
In all that time, we never, ever had a problem of this nature.
- Bob Whitney
“We lived in Goulburn for 22 years and Crestwood was so close to our hearts,” Bob said.
“We’re really devastated for the people of Crestwood.”
The couple spent around $80-$100,000 turning the building into a much-loved, local store from “just at shell at the time” of purchase, according to Bob.
“We literally built it,” Bob said.
It was a family-run store that welcomed the community with open arms, according to Bob.
They daughter, Tanya, and her family lived in the adjoining, four bedroom, two bathroom house.
“We had Santa visit the store every year and in times of adversity, we put back into the community,” Bob said.
“We also started evening sales to help people get their groceries after work.”
Whatever happened, it went down hill from there and we don't know why.
- Bob Whitney
“In all that time, we never, ever had a problem of this nature,” Bob said, referring to the recent fire. “People treated us with respect and we treated them back with it. It was just the way the business was.”
Neither Bob or Carol can remember who they sold the business to in 2010, only that the new owners had plans to continue to run it and Carol stayed on to help with the handover.
“Whatever happened, it went down hill from there and we don't know why,” Bob said.
“We just hope that everyone knows we're thinking of them. We hope the neighbours and our friends, Ken and Dawn, Bob and Carol are okay. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
“The Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue should also be congratulated for the they way contained the fire.”
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.
If you or anyone you know has any information about this, call the Goulburn Police Station on 4824 0799 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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