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

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