Owner to 'reboot' Mad Butcher

Peter Tarver has big plans to restore the Fenton St Mad Butcher to its former glory. Photo / Ben Fraser

He has developed a bit of a name for himself taking on struggling franchises and turning them around - now Peter Tarver is hoping it will be third time a charm.

Several weeks ago, he took over the Mad Butcher Fenton St store, buying the franchise out of the hands of receivers in a bid to restore the once thriving business back to its glory days.

No stranger to the task at hand, his Rotorua purchase follows on from him doing similar things with Hamilton and Napier Mad Butcher franchises since he became involved with the brand in 2000.

He was doing contract work with the head office when he found out about the Fenton St franchise, and he has not looked back since.

"This used to be a really good shop years ago but has slowly gone down hill. I've come back in to reboot it."

Mr Tarver has spent much of his career in the food industry after serving an apprenticeship through Woolworths and taking over management of his first supermarket as a 19-year-old.

"I've been in the industry for over 30 years ... when working with fresh food you have to be on to it."

He reckons he has learned a fair few lessons along the way. That, combined with a love for a challenge, was why he was so passionate about taking the helm in struggling businesses and turning them around.

"It's very rewarding."

Mr Tarver said the biggest challenge was regaining the trust of customers and getting them back through the doors.

"I know it takes time but I'm not very patient and would love them to come back now."

Mr Tarver had spent $70,000 on new refrigeration units since he took over because of sulphur ruining the old ones, and said the store had been refurbished. He said they had also increased their range and were in the process of working out what worked for Rotorua customers.

He said competition in the meat industry was tough and had changed over the time he had been involved, with supermarkets becoming more competitive. But he said the store had some key advantages such as its location, car parking and staff.

"The advantage we have is the staff. We can cut to order and have that knowledge. It's a lot tougher than it used to be, supermarkets have become a lot more aggressive."

Mr Tarver said he had been asked what made him a good manager.

"I'm always half an hour ahead. I'm always thinking what needs to be done."