When Barbra read Parry's Milkbar at Caringbah was for sale she thought 'this is so me'

For many years, Ms Godfrey has loved the shop, which has stood at the entrance to the train station for 62 years, because of her passion for 1950s-60s music, culture and lifestyle.

When she read the business was up for sale five months after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, she thought "this is so me".

And, her family and friends agreed.

Ms Godfrey, a long time Sutherland Shire resident, was executive general manager of a telco before taking time out after a family tragedy.

"I didn't want to go back to corporate, but I also felt like I needed to go back to work and make a difference," she said.

"When this opportunity came up, it was like the stars were aligning.

"I grew up heavily influenced by the '50s culture and lifestyle, I love the music of the 1950s and '60s era, rock and roll dancing, classic American cars, therefore what better fit than to own my very own authentic milk bar!."

Ms Godfrey said Parry's authentically represented that era.

"I loved the fact it had been there since 1958," she said.

"I was a regular customer, and particularly loved the milkshakes.

"It's great that I have been able to continue to provide that warm, friendly environment and share my passion with others.

"So many people come in and say, 'I have been coming here since I was a child'."

Ms Godfrey said she had listened to customers who told her not to make big changes, .

Milkshakes, candy and coffee remain the main offerings.

"We have started playing 50s music, but any other changes will be around the edges," she said.

"My intention is not to change the world, but to keep the iconic dream alive."

Ms Godfrey said she had "negotiated a good lease" with the agent for RailCorp, which owns the property.

"I know other businesses around here have had their problems with RailCorp, but I had a good experience," she said.

Ms Godfrey said business since the reopening two weeks ago had been good and she was grateful for the support of customers.

"In these challenging times, community support is the only thing that will keep this business alive," she said.

"I am bringing Parry's back to life, and I can only do it if customers walk through the door."