For almost four decades, Nina's IGA has been a part of Beaumont Street's fabric.
But all good things must come to an end. The Kiriakidis family has sold the store so that George and Nina can enjoy their retirement.
Searching 'Nina's IGA' in the Newcastle Herald archives shows how deeply the little shop has been woven into the city's folklore.
First opening in 1987, the shop bore the brunt of the Newcastle earthquake in 1989. It was thrown into such disarray by the quake, George said it took six months for the shop to reopen after the damage it incurred.
The shop is also recognised as the city's longest-running international grocer, with the Greek family originally stocking a range of unique items to cater for Newcastle's nearby migrant community.
George and Nina would keep a book at the front counter and ask people what they wanted.
Over the years their international products grew, and these days you can find items from across the world there, ranging from Arabic to Macedonian and Croatian (and of course Greek).
Over the years, they've sold life-changing lotto tickets and watched Hamilton slowly change from hub for the city's migrant community to a gentrified hotspot.
At every step of the 37-and-half-year journey, the shop - affectionately known as just 'Nina's' - has carried a reputation as more than just a grocery store.
Store manager Eleni Kiriakidis has worked at the store for 16 years.
"It's almost half my life, and that's not including helping out my parents as a kid," told the Newcastle Herald as she did Nina's final stocktake.
"My parents are ready for a rest, they've been working hard for a while, so the time has come to sell the business."
The family was incredibly proud of its reputation as more than just a grocer, Eleni said.
"We're a hub for locals, everyone knows they will see someone here that they know," she said.
"It's a place where you know you'll see a friendly face to have a chat with. That's a really big thing - sometimes people need more than groceries."
In a farewell statement posted on social media, George and his family thanked "all of our wonderful customers for your humbling love, support and appreciation of our little grocery store".
"It has been one of our heart's greatest joys to serve you and to have met so many of you on our travels," George said.
"We have nothing but profound gratitude to have been of service to so many.
"It is difficult to fully express just how seriously we have taken this service; together with some of the challenges, hopes, dreams and aspirations that come with being part of such a diverse community."
The Kiriakidis family officially handed over management of the store to the new owner - a local family who owne multiple stores - on Tuesday.
"We're very happy with the new owners, they don't want to change anything, they want to keep it the same staff and product wise," she said.
"In time, they'll try to update the store, it's starting to get old. It will be good to see new blood and life coming back to the store."
Hunter Means Business is a weekly column proudly flying the flag for the region's economic sector, published every Tuesday. Got a tip? Email jamieson.murphy@newcastleherald.com.au
