History

1980

Tropicana Caffe opens!

1982

Sergio Tezzo, a barista, starts working at the caffe.

1983

Sergio buys into Tropicana and becomes a partner. Sergio gets rid of the recreational and gaming machines. In doing so he also gets rid of a less than salubrious clientele. Turnover increases.

1992

Sergio becomes sole owner with his wife Simonetta. It's now Simonetta's turn to shine. She does. Business improves dramatically.

1993

John Polson approaches Sergio with the wild idea of screening short films in the café. It becomes a milestone in Sydney 's social and cultural history… it's the birth of the Tropfest Short Film Festival! Both Tropfest and The Trop become institutions.

1996

Tropicana Shop doubles in size.

1997

Sergio gets an offer he can't refuse. He retires and returns to Italy .

1999

Sergio gets another offer he can't refuse - from his former customers!

He agrees to buy back Tropicana and restore it to its former glory.

2000

Sergio offers George Semaan ( The Trop's fruit and veg supplier) a partnership in the business. Fortunately for all, George has the lettuce and takes up the offer.

Sergio rationalises The Trop's charity initiative. He decides to donate to one cause instead of donating small amounts to various charities. The Sydney Children's Hospital becomes The Trop's sole beneficiary.

$3,800 is gifted to The Children's

Hospital from profits, tips and customer donations!

2001

The Trop donates $2,660 to The Sydney Children's Hospital.

2002

The Trop is forced to move to a new location. It moves across the road.

Tropicana donates $4,500 to The Sydney Children's Hospital.

2003

The Trop donates $5,030 to The Sydney Children's Hospital.

2004

The Trop expands into a new neighbourhood… cyberspace. The Trop is now online and taking orders!