Two Cherry Chaps operator and solo dad Jimmy Ellison used his connections with Central Otago orchard owners to start the business, initially with a load of cherries and then expanded to other stone fruit.
"When we came up the West Coast, initially we had a couple of days in Greymouth, then to Hokitika, and then we took on Westport."
The popular roadside stall had a good summer, until two weeks ago when he was packing up ready to return to Central, when he noticed his jacket — and two days' worth of takings totalling more than $5000 — was missing from his fruit truck while operating from the car park of Reflections Detailing in Whall St.
He issued a plea on social media, coupled with a reward of $1500 cash for the return of the distinctive green Rip Curl jacket and all of its contents but to no avail.
Similarly, a report filed with police proved unsuccessful.
Mr Ellison has been left with a "massive" fruit bill which he is working on paying back, and has also cut short his summer season a month early.
"The loss has put a big bloody strain on me, I won't be able to pay my bill and get another load out before the season ends, it's just such a nightmare."
The experience has not totally deterred him and he plans to return to the Coast next year.
"I will be back, and I will be better."
In the meantime the setback has left a sour taste in Mr Ellison's mouth.
"I have an idea who is responsible but no solid proof." — Greymouth Star
By Meg Fulford
