Est. August 29, 1929
A corner shop that outlasted the Depression, the war, and ninety-six years of change.
Nine decades on the same corner
Kakulas Brothers was established at 185-187 William St, Northbridge on August 29, 1929. Evangelos Kakulas and his oldest two sons Stavros and Michael started the business and younger brother George joined after high school studies in 1938.
The business commenced selling local groceries and as more European immigrants arrived into Perth, products were imported that were not readily available in the local market. This included products such as basic spices like pepper and coffee beans which were roasted at the family home.
In the 1950s, as more Greeks and Italians arrived into Perth, the Brothers expanded into products such as Greek Olives which were imported from the North of Greece. Pasta, Peeled Tomatoes, Nuts and Dried Fruits were added to the range during this period.
By the late 1980s, the Brothers commenced their succession planning. Evan Stavros joined the business from his legal practice in 1990 and was joined shortly after by George Junior. The business expanded quickly during the 1990s and a warehouse was purchased in Wellman St Perth to help store products for the store and to supply an expanding wholesale market. This also allowed for the retail store to be expanded into the storage areas that were at the rear of the premises.
The retail store still thrives at the original site today. Much of the range remains the same: Nuts, Dried Fruits, Dried Beans, Herbs and Spices, and a large range of Coffee Beans which are roasted on site.
Nine decades on the same corner
1929
Evangelos Kakulas opens the shop
185-187 William Street, Northbridge. Local groceries, family-run from day one.
1938
George joins the business
Younger brother George Kakulas joins after completing high school studies. The three brothers now run the shop together.
1950s
European imports begin
Greek olives from Northern Greece, pasta, peeled tomatoes, nuts, and dried fruits added as Perth's European population grows.
1950s
Coffee roasting starts
Coffee beans roasted at the family home, then on site at William Street. The tradition continues today.
1990
Evan Stavros joins
Fourth generation. Evan Stavros leaves his legal practice to join the family business.
1990s
George Junior joins
The fourth generation is now fully represented in the business.
1990s
Wellman Street warehouse purchased
14 Wellman Street, Perth becomes the wholesale distribution hub. Supplies both the shop and a growing list of restaurant and cafe clients.
Present
Fourth generation trading
Evan Stavros and George Junior run the shop their great-grandfather built. The range has grown to 549 products across twelve categories. The building is State Heritage-listed.
185-187 William Street is a protected heritage building
The Kakulas Brothers building at 185-187 William Street, Northbridge holds a State Heritage Office listing. The facade, interior, and street presence have been preserved as part of Western Australia's commercial heritage.
The shop retains much of its original character: high ceilings, timber fixtures, and the open-fronted retail space that has served Northbridge since 1929. When you walk in, you are walking into a building that has been a grocery store for nearly a century.
Fourth generation, same corner
Evangelos Kakulas
Founder, 1929
Opened the shop with sons Stavros and Michael. Built the business through the Depression and the war years.
Stavros, Michael & George Kakulas
Second generation
Expanded the range from local groceries to imported European products. George joined in 1938.
Evan Stavros Kakulas
Fourth generation, joined 1990
Left legal practice to return to the family business. Oversees wholesale expansion and day-to-day operations.
George Junior
Fourth generation, joined 1990s
Manages retail operations, product sourcing, and the coffee roasting program.
Visit the shop that started it all
185-187 William Street, Northbridge. Six days a week. Coffee roasted while you wait.