Two of the market’s beloved stallholders, Con of Con’s Fine Foods and Sunmi from Sunmi’s Sushi, have been pillars of this bustling marketplace for decades.
Con’s Fine Foods, a staple since 1959, is now run by his sons, as Con recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Meanwhile, Sunmi, a former Olympic volleyball player, has been a go-to figure at the Market since 1995. Both embody the rich history and diverse spirit that makes the Adelaide Central Market a special community hub.
CON’S FINE FOODS
Alex and Ross
Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you became a stallholder at the Adelaide Central Market?
Our dad, Con Savvas came to Australia from Greece in the 1940’s and in 1959, he and his 3 brothers started Con’s Fine Foods. Con’s is an institution in the Market and 65 years on, it is still in its original location and is still run by our family. I started working at Con’s as a 17 year old….over 35 years ago!
What do you love most about the Adelaide Central Market?
I love the community feel. We have great friendships and camaraderie between stallholders and through the personal service we provide, our customers become friends too.
How has the Market changed over the years?
The way people shop has changed – people now buy what they need for the day rather than for the week. Also, people’s palates are more diverse now, they want lots of different and unique products which the Market can cater to perfectly.
What’s your favourite ACM stall (aside from your own!)
The Providore! I’m a sweet tooth so I love the homemade Monte Carlos and Wagon Wheels
What’s your most popular product, and why do you think people love it so much?
Our bacon, because we offer a great range of varieties and 100% Australian bacon. People also love how fresh our products are and sliced fresh every day.
How do you keep your passion for what you do alive?
My passion for food keeps me going. I love how food and people evolve together and discovering new products
Do you have any traditions or special routines connected to your time at the market?
The 6am coffee with ‘the guys’ every Market day is a great way to start the day – we always have a good laugh and good chat to start our day.
Con’s Fine Foods, Stall 18-19, Adelaide Central Market
@consfinefood
SUNMI’S SUSHI
Sunmi
Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you became a stallholder at the Adelaide Central Market?
I came to Australia in 1982. I was an Olympic volleyball player in Korea, but there was a boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980 so I came to Adelaide to coach instead, on an 8 month visa. That was 35 years ago! I invited my team to my house to try my cooking and they loved it, so it became a regular thing. My friend (and fellow volleyball pro) Sue Dansie owned the stall before I took over.
What do you love most about the Adelaide Central Market?
I love feeding the bellies and the souls of my customers with my food from home. The Adelaide Central Market is the best pantry for my home and my business. Every day everything is fresh.
How has the market changed over the years?
There are more multicultural places to eat and cuisines to try now than when I started. Customers want to eat and shop.
What’s your favourite ACM stall (aside from your own!)
I shop everywhere! The best thing about the Market is how much great fresh fruit and veg there is.
What’s your most popular product, and why do you think people love it so much?
My green veg pancakes and of course bibimbap – which in my homeland is known as a taxi driver special. Egg, rice, meat, green veg, red veg – everything you need for a nutritious meal in a bowl.
How do you keep your passion for what you do alive?
My customers! I have so many regular customers that have become friends. I love hearing about their families and sharing their lives.
Do you have any traditions or special routines connected to your time at the market?
I’m here every morning at 6:30am to get all my fresh ingredients and prepare for the day. I just yell out what I’m buying from the fruit and veg stalls and pay for it later. It’s a great community of traders, who support each other.
Sunmi’s Sushi, Stall 44, Adelaide Central Market
