High St butcher closes door on retail but continues with home kills

Satisfied customer: Pat Shannon (left), co-owner of the Meat Company Dannevirke and customer Cybol Russell, mother of four.

After three years on High St and a huge investment in their butchery, Pat and John Shannon are closing the doors on the Meat Company Dannevirke this month.

"It's a shame, but John's health is our top priority, so closing the doors hasn't been a hard decision," Mrs Shannon told the Dannevirke News.

"We've some absolutely wonderful, customers who have been loyal, through and through, but John needs to get off his legs and go from working seven days a week to four or five days. If we don't take this step he will be stuffed.

"Three years ago it cost us a hell of a lot more money than we were expecting to set up here when we had to buy new machinery, but health comes first. Our customers have all said they'll miss us, but understand why we've made this decision."

Cybol Russell, a mother of four, has been a regular since the business opened.
"I'm so upset the shop is closing," she said. "I shop here because of the quality of the meat. I find when I cook the mince from here, no fat comes out."

Other customers told the Dannevirke News that long with the "lovely meat", they appreciate the great service the Shannons deliver.

Mr Shannon says he's going to miss his customers.

"Dannevirke is an amazing place, but this is a high cost shop to run and I only buy the best meat, because when you look at all the cheap specials, it's only cheap meat on offer," he said.

Buying from local farmers Mr Shannon said he can link into all the assets the Tararua has to offer farmers.

"We've beautiful land, a great climate, lush grass and fantastic local farmers," he said.

"But working 100 hours a week isn't on anymore and our decision is all about getting me off my legs a bit."

However, Mr Shannon will continue to operate his home kill business, using the High St premises in the meantime.

"Kevin Dawson, our landlord, has been very accommodating and we'll stay here on a month-by-month basis running the home kill."

Although the Shannons live on a rural property in Woodville, they see Dannevirke as their place.

"We enjoy it here and if the right property comes up in Dannevirke, we'll move here," Mr Shannon said.

Keen to give back to the community, the Shannons have donated tonnes of sausages to the Lions and Rotary Clubs and "a massive amount," of meat to the local foodbanks.

The Meat Company Dannevirke will be closed from July 13 to July 19 so the couple can attend a FoodPro event in Sydney.

"There will be ideas I want to pick up and bring home to local farmers. Tararua is an amazing farming area and I want to give meat a chance by using flavours and new cures to enhance the beautiful local meat," Mr Shannon said.

On their return from Sydney the Shannons will open the shop for a few days to clear stock, providing some great bargains to shoppers.