Family Owned
Since 1969
The first Bernardi’s store began in Forbes in 1969 as a fruit market run by Tony Bernardi who had spent much of the previous decade selling fruit and vegetables out of the back of his truck.
Almost 50 years later Tony – along with his three sons David, Peter and Joseph – operate four large format independent supermarkets located in Bathurst, Blayney, Forbes and West Wyalong as well as a stand-alone discount variety store; Discount Dave’s at Parkes.
The Bernardi Group employs over 500 staff and pride themselves on offering a unique shopping experience for customers of the Central West, with a focus on supporting local suppliers and the communities they operate within.
The Journey
1955
Antonio 'Tony' Bernardi immigrated from Italy to Forbes, NSW. He knew no English & was just 17. He worked on his uncle’s farm growing fruit & veg for two years before leasing 30 acres for his own market garden
1960
After a few years Tony saved enough money to buy a truck, he added a canopy and, with advice from a local retailer, he began selling fresh produce in outlying towns – Condobolin, Trundle and Tullamore
1968
After 8 years ’on the road’ Tony & Helen opened a small shop in Lachlan Street Forbes selling mostly fruit & vegetables. They called it ‘Bernardi’s Drive In Food Mart’
From this small beginning the store grew over the next 27 years until becoming “Bernardi’s IGA” & eventually "Bernardi's Marketplace"
1994
Tony’s son David conceptualised a discount store offering in Forbes & as such, “Discount Daves” was born
2003
Bernardi’s acquired another local IGA store in Forbes & that was their first ever expansion. In the same year, Bernardi’s purchased Blayney IGA supermarket
2008
West Wyalong I.G.A. was added to the group in 2008
2012
After 42 years Bernardi’s said goodbye to their old flagship store in Forbes & opened a brand new supermarket incorporating Discount Dave’s and Flannery’s Life Pharmacy
2013
Bernardi’s opened their own new supermarket in Bathurst who they now co-share with Harris Farm Markets
AT PRESENT
Tony Bernardi still works in the Forbes store doing his fruit & vegetables.
His three sons, David, Peter & Joseph work by his side as well as three of his grandchildren.
in 2019, abc covered tony’s story
WHAT OUR
CUSTOMERS
SAY…
Good fruit and veg with the added bonus of Discount Dave’s attached
Vicky Cronulla
Little gem this place, large range of produce and some that are locally sourced too.
Judy Hunt
Everything you need in one place! Best shop ever!
Rachel Carlaw
Great range competitive prices well worth shopping here.
Donna Mckay
Staff are great loads of stock fresh food lots of parking recommend a visit.
Dave Beecham
Great place to shop and Great prices. The range of goods is outstanding highly recommend. Give them a go.
Richard Fisher