Beloved Bossley Park deli closes after 70 years, leaving community ...

A beloved deli has closed its doors after seven decades of serving the Western Sydney community.

The Bossley Park General Store and Deli, a cornerstone of the local area since 1953, will shut down as its owners, Enzo and Franca di Federico, are being forced to move on by the landlord.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Beloved deli closes its doors after decades.

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Known for its authentic European fare, the deli became a gathering place where generations of locals would meet and enjoy a taste of Italy in the heart of Sydney’s west.

Enzo, who took over the business with his wife Franca 15 years ago, described the shop as a “home on a plate” for both them and the community.

Locals were heartbroken at the news of the store’s closure.

“I’ve had young people ... I’ve had old people in tears crying,” Franca told 7NEWS.

Operations manager Paula Borges echoed this sentiment, adding the deli was “more than just a shop”.

“It’s a gathering place for people,” she told 7NEWS.

“It’s where people meet and talk and eat and share stories.

“A place like this brings in the community ... it just can’t be replicated ... and that’s the saddest part.”

Franca recalled her initial worries when they took over the deli, admitting she didn’t know much about running a food business, aside from her love of Italian cuisine.

However, their hard work eventually paid off, as the shop became well-known for its offerings, with their paninis even going viral on TikTok as “the dopest Italian sandwich ever”.

The closure has been an emotional time for the family, who have seen countless customers reduced to tears at the news.

“It’s really sad because this was my childhood,” shared one of their grandchildren.

Despite their best efforts to keep the business going, the de Fredericos say they are now ready to retire, even though it is “bittersweet”.

“I’ve never felt anything so painful ... not just for us, but for our staff and the community,” he said.

Fans were told of the news in a statement on social media explaining the shop’s tenancy was coming to an end, as the landlord has “alternate plans for the site”.

“Thankyou for being part of this journey with us, we will miss you all dearly,” the post read.

The store’s last day of trade was Sunday October 6.