Kellie (far right) said she would miss working with her team following her and her husband Shane’s decision to sell the store. Photo: Lake Village Takeaway.
Longtime owners of Lake Village Takeaway, Kellie and Shane Roberts, have announced they will be handing over the business to new owners after 10 years of running the beloved takeaway shop.
Operating the Lake Village Shopping Centre store for the past decade, the pair took to social media to confirm that Sunday 11 January would be their last day at the helm.
The pair thanked their customers and expressed their excitement for the store’s new ownership.
“After almost 10 years, we’ve decided it’s time to move on to our next adventure (Who knows where, when, or what my next crazy idea will be!)” the pair wrote on social media.
“Who would’ve thought that when we took over the shop with just one staff member, we’d grow it into what it is today. I had three simple rules from day one: friendly staff, a clean shop and fresh food.
“To all the incredible staff we’ve had the pleasure of working alongside over the years, thank you. We truly couldn’t have done this without you.
“To all of our beautiful, loyal customers, thank you. We’ve loved getting to know you and your orders, watching your children grow up, sharing the jokes, laughs, and banter. But most of all, thank you for your ongoing support and loyalty.”
Kellie and Shane reflected on the memorable moments from their time leading the shop, which included navigating the pandemic and even rebuilding the front of the store following a car accident.
Patrons and staff of Lake Village Takeaway were lucky to walk away unharmed when a car came crashing through the entrance of the shop in April 2024. Photo: Lake Village Takeaway Facebook.
“Some of the iconic moments include: making it through a pandemic, including my bright idea of lolly boxes, thinking we wouldn’t be busy and let’s not talk about the toilet paper,” their post said.
“The potato shortage; how can you be a fish and chip shop without potatoes? The constant blackouts were always when we were flat out.
“The many charities, fundraisers, families and sponsorships you guys all rallied around to help us support them.
“Briefly becoming a drive-through shop, when the car went through it.
“The many strange orders like pizza, calamari triangles, and blue-tongue lizards, including every Friday without fail, Les and Mary’s order that was so iconic it earned its own button on the register. We miss Les coming in, dishing out cheek to staff and telling his yarns. Rest in Peace, Les.”
Shane and Kellie said their farewell would be bittersweet, but they were eager to see where the future takes them.
“The hardest part of our journey was losing two of my biggest supporters, my nan and my dad. I know how proud they were of us, working our butts off to build what we have,” Kellie said.
“Sunday will be our very last day, and we can promise you that the new owner is keeping the staff and keeping the food just as it is.
“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Lake Village Takeaway is open 10 am to 2 pm for lunch all week; 4:30 to 7:45 pm, Sunday to Tuesday; and 4:30 to 7:30 pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
