Erin and Michael (front) have owned Kooringal Butchery for six months and with the support of staff including Ronin, Sherwin, James and Anthony, are continuing the shop’s awesome 40-year legacy. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Kooringal Butchery has been operating for more than 40 years and is known across Wagga for its quality meat and welcoming service.
So when former owners Anthony Francis and John Daniher decided to call time and hand the keys to the beloved shop to their former apprentice, Michael Flannigan and his wife, Erin, it was important to the new owners that they continued to provide the same service Anthony and John were known for.
After taking ownership of the shop just over six months ago, Michael and Erin have balanced the challenges and rewards that come with being small business owners.
“We took over the shop in July last year and have been operating it for just over seven months,” Micahel said.
“I originally did my apprenticeship here 25 years ago and worked for Anthony, initially for 11 years. I left for a little period in the middle and then came back to work for another 10 years.
“Early last year, I was looking to buy into the butcher and join in on the business side of things. Anthony and John actually decided that they were ready to retire and that they didn’t want anyone else but Erin and me running the shop.”
Michael said it was important for him to keep the original feel of the shop that had resonated with customers for so long.
“One of the reasons I wanted to buy initially was because I was a bit nervous that someone from out of town might come in and change something that I’ve worked so closely with for over 25 years,” he said.
“Without small businesses, there’s no township. It’s so important that small local businesses continue to operate, whether that’s us or cafes or anything else.
“So while some of the signage might change, the quality is always going to be the same.
“We’re always going to make sure we’re doing the best we can to provide the best meat and service we can.”
Kooringal Butchery can be found at Kooringal Mall on Lake Albert Road. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Michael has assembled a diverse team of eager young apprentices and experienced butchers to continue the quality service.
“We got such a good staff base from the first day we took over,” Michael said.
“We had a couple move on, who wanted to try new things, but the core group that stayed on and joined have been fantastic.
“They’re a good bunch of blokes, and they’re like a family to me at the moment.”
The shop recently celebrated its first apprentice, James Collins, gaining his official qualifications. To celebrate the occasion, the store presented the former apprentice with a knife with an engraving congratulating him on completing his trade.
“James has been with us for 12 months, before we took over actually,” Michael said.
“He started at another butcher but wasn’t too happy. He came to us about 12 months ago, and he has been one of the best things to happen to the shop.
“He brings enthusiasm and really just enjoys coming to work each day.
“It wears off on everyone else, too. We have some younger guys who are completing their qualifications, and I think by having James there, it really shows what they can learn and how hard work pays off.”
Michael explained how different it was for apprentices to get their qualifications now compared to when he completed his, and why it was important young men got a start when school wasn’t for them.
“The most important thing for them is just to make sure that they do enjoy it,” Michael said.
“Three years of training is a long time, but it can fly when you enjoy coming to work and really put yourself into it.
“So for me, as the owner, it’s important that they don’t get stale in their job. Because at the end of the day, the more I teach them, the fresher it feels and the more they can take on.
“It really does form trust between everyone, too, and that’s what you want with a team.”
When visiting Kooringal Butchery, there are plenty of different meats to try, but at the top of the list of Michael’s recommendations is a crowd favourite.
“I think everyone should try our thin sausages,” he said.
“No one can ever go wrong with a good sausage, and we can promise ours won’t disappoint.
“I do recommend all of our red meats too. We have a great selection.”
Kooringal Butchery is located at 24 Lake Albert Road, Kooringal Mall. They’re open 7 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 7:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday. Keep up with them via their Facebook page.
