Susanna Freymark
It was Brett Stuart’s last day at Stuart Bros Butchers in Kyogle today, Saturday, August 31.
For 44 years, he has been a butcher and he has served customers that used to be served by his father.
It was an emotional morning at the shop. A steady flow of people came in to thank Brett and he shook a lot of hands as they placed their last order with him. They wanted to say goodbye to their favourite butcher in person.
Not that Brett is going anywhere. He plans to continue living in Kyogle and “wet the line” now that his days will be free.
Brett is 61 and while that may seem early for retirement he said, “It was time.”
“I started my apprenticeship in 1980.”
Brett said he would make himself available to Mitch Morgan and Abbie Tarrant who are taking over the business.
“We’ve got big shoes to fill,” Abbie said.
Mitch has plenty of experience having worked for Our Cow and Metcalf Meats.
“Nothing will change,” Abbie said. They’ll be adding a few new products but opening times and the supply of good meat will continue.
Abbie said Brett’s customer service is a talking point in town.
Brett was clearly touched by so many customers coming into the shop today.
“It’s a great feeling, the respect, I’ve served all of them for 44 years,” Brett said.
“They’ve become family.”
Brett said Mitch and Abbie will get all his recipes as part of the business.
Abbie will do a “bit of everything” in the business and said she and Mitch had worked together before.
They’re getting married in March.
Abbie and Mitch officially take over the shop on Monday, September 2.
Go in and say G’day.
Opening times are:
6am–5pm weekdays
6am–12.30pm Saturdays
and then