A long-running butcher shop is preparing to close after its owners struggled to secure enough skilled staff to keep it operating.
Noosa Meat Centre owners Steve and Stacey Young have announced the retail shop will close from November 2, while the business continues operating as a smallgoods factory.
The business has operated from its Eumundi-Noosa Road premises since 2014 and was named the maker of Australia’s best ham in 2019.
In a statement shared online, Mr Young and Ms Young said the decision was not made lightly.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” they said.
The closure will not mark the end of the business, with its products to remain available at selected IGA stores.
The owners have also announced an affiliation with Drakes Supermarkets as they expand the wholesale side of the operation.
“This next chapter also brings exciting, new opportunities for our business,” they said.
“We look forward to building on this valued relationship and continuing to bring our products to their many Queensland stores.”
The couple thanked customers for supporting the retail shop over the years.
“It has been a pleasure serving you through our retail shop, and we are truly grateful for the support you have shown our business,” they said.
“While our retail shop may be closing, this is not the end of our journey.
“We look forward to this exciting next chapter and to continuing to provide you with our quality smallgoods throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales via our affiliated partners.”
News of the closure prompted an emotional response from customers online.
One commenter wrote: “Noooo. We are locals that got priced out of our Noosa home and had to move past Gympie and we still regularly drive down just for good meat and stock up for Christmas too.”
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Another said: “Shattered, Steve. Will really miss your quality meat and outstanding service. Will absolutely keep buying your small goods from the outlets mentioned. All the best.”
A third commenter wrote: “Devastated! You guys are the best! Jake has been amazing to deal with.”
Another customer recalled buying meat from the business over many years.
“Reading this actually brought a tear to my eye. Thank you so much for the incredible service and quality meat over the years. I still remember buying meat at the Tewantin shop. From your Christmas hams to my regular lamb chump chops, you’ve been our go-to for as long as I can remember. It’s going to be so hard to replace a team and store as amazing as yours,” they wrote.
