Lianne Fyvie was the first full-time staff member employed by Karam and John. She is also the niece of legendary local Bill Millar.
Lianne started working for the Haddad brothers in about 1994, around the time John was facing major surgery for colon cancer. She said it was a learning curve for everyone involved.
She left the shop with many fond memories of her time working with the “unique character” that was Karam Haddad.
“One of my roles was vacuuming the store with an old Electrolux vacuum cleaner.
“I emptied the bag out and threw away the paper bag. Big mistake.” I was told, ‘Oh no dear, you don’t throw away the paper bag – we reuse it.’
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they still have the same vacuum cleaner and possibly the same paper bag.”
The first – and last – time Lianne forgot her lunch, Karam made sure she knew why not to make a habit out of it.
“Well, did I hear about it all day long.
“I received the biggest lecture from Karam on the cost per day, per week, per month, per year, and how much I would save if I brought my own lunch to work.
“Did I ever forget my lunch again? No.
“And before the day was over, Karam said to me – wait till I tell Johnny.”
