Pros 
Cons A Riverina Staple: Why Locals Love Lenard's
Lenard's - Lavington Square is more than just a butcher shop; it’s a community hub cherished by the Lavington area. With a consistently stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5, and easily located at 351 Griffith Rd, Lavington NSW 2641, it’s clearly doing something right. The consistently positive feedback paints a picture of a business dedicated to quality, service, and understanding its customers. Unlike the impersonal experience of larger supermarkets, Lenard’s fosters a genuine connection, as evidenced by the numerous mentions of friendly staff and personalized service. Frequent shoppers highlight the freshness of the products, consistently describing the meat and chicken as "the best in the Riverina." One loyal customer even notes the shop’s responsiveness to special requests, particularly the ability to source extra-large chicken schnitzels for their renowned schnitty burgers. The addition of Riverina Spices has only further enhanced the offering, allowing customers to elevate their home cooking with local flavour. This dedication to sourcing quality ingredients and catering to individual needs sets Lenard’s apart.
Service with a Smile: The People of Lenard’s
The overwhelming chorus of praise centers around the exceptional customer service at Lenard’s. It's not just about helpfulness; it's about a genuine warmth and willingness to go the extra mile. Here’s a breakdown of what customers consistently appreciate:
- Friendly Staff: Numerous reviews mention the "lovely staff" and their consistent "service with a smile." They’re described as helpful and approachable, making the shopping experience pleasant.
- Knowledgeable Advice: A particularly heartwarming example details a customer’s post-purchase call regarding cooking instructions. The staff member patiently provided all the necessary information, demonstrating a dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Extra Touches: Brett and the team’s attention to detail shines through, with small gestures like sneaking in extra treats for the kids. This reinforces the family-friendly atmosphere.
- Thoughtful Considerations: The inclusion of frozen water bottles to keep purchases cold is a practical and appreciated detail, illustrating a focus on preserving quality.
- Personalized Service: The owner, Brett, is frequently mentioned, further demonstrating the personal touch inherent in the business.
"The customer service is always top notch. Always happy to help you." - A Regular Customer
This level of personalized service is a key differentiator, fostering loyalty and turning casual shoppers into devoted patrons.
Quality & Value: What You’re Getting for Your Money
Beyond the friendly faces, Lenard’s earns its high rating through consistent quality and competitive pricing. Reviews consistently highlight the superior taste and freshness compared to supermarket alternatives.
- Superior Taste: Many customers describe the meat as having an unmistakable "country taste," a richness and flavour absent from mass-produced supermarket options.
- Better Prices: Shoppers regularly compare pricing to Woolworths, finding that Lenard's offers better deals, particularly on premium cuts like rump and fillet steak.
- Freshness Guarantee: The focus on fresh produce is a recurring theme, reassuring customers they are receiving the highest quality ingredients.
- Extended Range: The addition of Riverina Spices expands the shop’s offerings, providing customers with unique and locally sourced flavour enhancers.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Lenard's - Lavington Square | Woolworths (Supermarket) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Quality & Taste | Superior, "Country Taste" | Typically Mass-Produced |
| Pricing (Rump/Fillet) | Often Cheaper | Can be More Expensive |
| Customer Service | Personalized & Friendly | Generally Less Personal |
| Product Freshness | Consistently High | Variable |
The combination of quality and value consistently attracts customers, with many choosing Lenard’s over larger chains.
Minor Considerations & Overall Assessment
While overwhelmingly positive, a small minority of customers have mentioned a slightly salty taste in some of the products. However, this is presented as a personal preference rather than a broad criticism, noting "horses for courses" and acknowledging diverse tastes among the clientele. It's a minor point within a sea of praise.
Lenard’s - Lavington Square operates with convenient hours, open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM. The shop offers various service options including in-store shopping and onsite services, boasting wheelchair accessibility for both the entrance and parking. They accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, and ample parking is available, both free and on the street.
Overall, Lenard’s is a beloved local institution that prioritizes quality, service, and community engagement. The shop's commitment to fresh produce, personalized attention, and competitive pricing consistently earns it a high level of customer satisfaction – a true testament to its place as a local legend in the Riverina.