Hobart’s CBD now has its first butcher shop in more than 20 years, with a local family setting up shop and already supplying local restaurants in their opening week.
Jody Blatch, who has more than 27 years of butchering experience, opened the family-run store this week alongside his father, wife Felicity and their children.
Blatch moved to Tasmania from the Gold Coast seven years ago, with his parents following 18 months ago.
The family had been working in factories before deciding to strike out on their own.
“Basically for that stability of having a job for one and to really create something new within the CBD as well,” Blatch told Pulse.
“Because a lot of shops are closing.”
All beef, lamb, pork and chicken is sourced locally and Blatch said everything is cut fresh.
The Collins Street shop was on its fourth day of trading when Blatch spoke to Pulse and he said the early response had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone’s stoked that we’re here,” he said.
The customer base so far has been a mix of office workers, locals walking through the city and a handful of tourists.
Blatch said the business is also picking up food service orders from nearby restaurants including Twister Sister and Little India, helping those venues cut delivery fees and reduce costs by sourcing meat directly from across the road.
His father brings more than 40 years of butchering experience to the operation.
“I’m the owner and I’ve got my father working alongside me just to have that bit of guidance, that support and my wife as well,” Blatch said.
Even the couple’s children are getting involved, gaining hands-on experience in the shop.
Blatch said the store offers old-fashioned service where customers can request custom cuts.
“We’ll cut anything you want, we’ll get anything you want,” he said.
“We’re happy to just go that extra mile.”
