Starting a business during the peak of a global pandemic was a bold move for a Coast butcher who says community support is the reason for his success.
Boocock’s Quality Meats, a new butcher at Stockland Birtinya, opened on June 15.
Owner Marcus Boocock previously owned the same store at Noosa.
The fourth-generation butcher said opening the new business in the shopping centre was an easier transition than expected, after taking a break from the Noosa store for about five years.
“I live locally, and community has always been important to me and my family. So, it made sense to bring my passion closer to home,” he said.
“Given the uncertainty of COVID, we just take each day as it comes and work with what we’ve got.”
Mr Boocock said the unpredictability of COVID-19 made opening a new business very different, and at times, more complicated.
But the butcher of “well over” 20 years found success at the new location with thanks to “a lot” of community support.
“We already have a few regulars who come in every week to say g’day, all of whom we enjoy seeing,” he said.
Despite his business being in one of the least hard-hit industries by coronavirus, Mr Boocock said all small businesses had to be cautious during the difficult time.
Stockland Birtinya centre manager Shane Monro said it endeavoured to support retailers and the community in any way it could
“It’s been inspiring to see Mr Boocock take any challenges thrown his way head on and with such a positive attitude,” he said.
“His butcher shop has been a great addition to our retail offering … and the community more widely, and we look forward to seeing him grow in the years to come.”