AFTER more than 18 years, George Magganas has sold his beloved Gymea business, Nina's Chocolates, the go-to place for handmade chocolates.
"A lot of people have been shocked when I told them," he said. "The staff always thought they'd carry me out in a box."
Mr Magganas said he knew it was time to leave as he didn't want to hold the store back from achieving bigger and better things.
"I don't have the funds to do what I want to do — open more stores, maintain wholesaling, revamp the store," he said.
"I surpassed what I set out to do."
The good news is new owners DMX Confectionery Investments intend to keep creating award-winning chocolates and retain the staff, most of whom have been there for many years.
It took four years for Mr Magganas to make a salary after a period of having few customers.
When he moved from a factory at Kirrawee to a Gymea shopfront he said many people expressed surprise and some thought his store would do better in the eastern suburbs.
"I knew locals would embrace it and they have been such strong, loyal customers," he said.
Mr Magganas thanked his staff, especially store manager Michelle Corben, customers, and his wife May, who he described as the business's anchor.
After his final day on October 7, he will take a well-deserved holiday before returning as a consultant.
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