Ann Todora opened Parkit Market in 1962. Photo by Can Türkyilmaz
Parkit Market owner Ann Todora, who opened the food store on Greenville Avenue in 1962, died earlier this week, Channel 5 reported. She was 98.
Todora and her husband, Frank, grew up in the grocery business. When they opened Parkit Market, Greenville Avenue was a two-lane street, and University Boulevard was a dirt road. There were no apartments and few homes.
The neighborhood grew up around the food store, which is considered one of the best places in Dallas to buy a keg, liquor or other party supplies. Parkit Market also serves homemade sandwiches at its deli. At 90 years old, Todora was still making homemade Italian sausage, as well as homemade cakes.
In addition to running the store, Todora raised a family of seven. The family still owns and operates Parkit Market, and members said they will miss the matriarch’s drive and passion for life.
“She was mom to a lot of people besides her seven kids,” Todora’s granddaughter, Tiffany Todora Fulmer, told Channel 5. “She was mom to so many customers throughout the last 58 years, and it will be a great loss to our family.”
