Our business was founded in 1887 by Mr Walter Prentis (the great great grandfather of the current business owner, Chris Prentis) as a single shop in Ilford, Essex.
The business grew quickly based on their high standards, customer service and satisfaction with a firm commitment to using local producers.
In 1920 the running of the business was handed to Walter's two sons, Ernest (John's great grandfather) and Charles. The family now had two shops, one in Ilford High Road and one in Seven Kings with one being run by each brother. By this time, the shops were being supplied by our own farm in Paddock Wood, Kent.
In 1922, Ernest's eldest son Stanley joined the business followed by Ernest's youngest son Clifford (John's grandfather) in 1936. By this time, the shop had moved to the larger premises in Cranbrook Road, Ilford which became the business's main depot, running several lorries to and from the London markets and serving the shops.
In 1956, the death of Charles Prentis caused the sale of some of the shops which included the sale of the Cranbrook Road depot and shop.
Clifford Prentis then opened his first shop in Beehive Lane, Ilford followed shortly by a further two shops in Belgrave Road, Ilford and Barking High Street.
In 1967, John Prentis (John's father) joined the business and continued to work in the two Ilford shops, eventually running them both.
By the mid-1970s, the supermarket onslaught had begun, changing many of our high streets forever.
During this time, John realised the future of the business was no longer in Essex and relocated the business and his family to Broadstairs.
He opened the first Broadstairs shop in 1979 at 59 High Street, the site which is currently occupied by Café Bello coffee shop.
Throughout the 1980s John's sons, John and Chris worked at weekends and during the holidays helping in the shops and on the lorries.
In 1992, the business moved to 31 High Street, our current location and in 1995, John took over the reins with his parents still working in a lesser capacity.
In 1998, Chris joined the business full time and now owns the business today.
In 2022, John handed over the baton to his younger brother, Chris who has run and managed the business ever since. As a parting message, John said,
"Today I closed the shop for the last time. After 26 years at the helm I've stood down. My brother Chris takes over the captains chair, and he'll do a great job. Keeping up the values and traditions that have stood the test of time since 1887 when our Great Great grandfather opened his first shop. "Thankyou to all the staff, to all the salesmen in New Covent Garden, and the local farmers that have all become friends as we've traded and worked together over the years, but most especially thankyou to all the customers that have supported the shop over so many years, I will miss the banter for sure."
Along with our team of committed staff, Chris runs two successful shops in Broadstairs and Westgate-on-Sea which to this day focus on customer service and high quality produce.
We enjoy our business relationship with local farmers and producers and much of the produce that you buy in-store comes from the local area. If you are interested in where any of the produce comes from, just ask our staff and they will be more than happy to let you know.
© C.J.Prentis Fruiterers & Greengrocers 1887-2024 - All Rights Reserved
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