88 BBQ & Butcher: A Mixed Bag of Meats and Customer Service

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A Look Inside 88 BBQ & Butcher: The Good, The Bad, and the Pork

88 BBQ & Butcher, located at 12a/34 Southport Burleigh Rd in Mermaid Waters, Queensland, is establishing itself as a unique offering in the local area. With a 3.8-star rating, it's clear this butcher shop has both loyal fans and some disgruntled customers. Specialising in a broader range of meats beyond the everyday, particularly pork and chicken, it aims to be more than just your average butcher. Opening hours are consistent throughout the week, offering convenient access from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Friday and Saturday, with slightly reduced hours on Sunday (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM). They cater to customers seeking a quick visit and accept credit cards for payments, and both wheelchair accessibility are proudly stated. This establishment seeks to be inclusive and practical - but what is the experience really like? Let's delve into the feedback.

The Meat Matters: Freshness, Quality, and Variety - Or Are They?

The core offering of 88 BBQ & Butcher is, naturally, its meat. Many customers highlight the quality and prices as positive aspects, making it a go-to spot for those averaging $150 every fortnight on beef, pork, and chicken. Several reviews praise the freshness of the produce, with one customer surprisingly impressed after taking a chance based on the exterior appearance. The duck, in particular, receives glowing accolades, described as being "cut to perfection" and served "professionally." They seem to excel in sourcing and preparing less common cuts and specialising in pork:

• Pork Perfection: The enthusiasm surrounding their pork cuts is a recurring theme, with consistent compliments on quality and preparation.
• Chicken Champion: Beyond pork, they are also regarded as a great option for poultry, beyond what you find at everyday supermarkets.
• Duck Delight: Whole ducks expertly prepared are a standout product drawing repeat customers.
• Freshness Focus: Several voices champion the 'freshness' of the meat promising reliable quality.

However, it isn’t all positive. Concerns have been raised regarding freshness, with one customer reporting a concerning odour and suspecting the meat may have been past its prime. Another observation pointed to meat "not looking appealing" and appearing as though it had been on display for an extended period. This creates a stark contrast and highlights a potential inconsistency in quality control.

Customer Service: A Divisive Force

Undoubtedly, the most significant point of contention surrounding 88 BBQ & Butcher revolves around the customer service. Experiences are dramatically varied, creating a polarized view of the business.

Here's the breakdown:

• The Positive Encounters: Some customers describe exceptionally friendly and helpful service. One customer specifically notes a helpful phone conversation where staff not only confirmed stock availability but also offered to reserve it and provided cooking advice, even suggesting a local herb and spice supplier! This level of proactive service is clearly valued.
• The Negative Encounters (and they are significant): A substantial number of reviews detail remarkably unpleasant interactions. Repeated mentions of a "surly" or "rude" older woman behind the counter paint a picture of a barrier to pleasant shopping. Descriptions include:
  • Being spoken to rudely, even aggressively, over a minor door issue.
  • Being made to feel like a “nuisance.”
  • Generally unfriendly and dismissive interactions.

This stark contrast highlights a critical area for improvement. The impact of one individual’s behaviour on the overall customer experience cannot be understated, especially with a small retail business.

A Banh Mi Disaster and Pricing Concerns

Beyond the meat quality and customer service, specific products have received mixed reviews. The Banh Mi crispy pork roll is a prime example. One customer considers it the “worst [they've] ever had,” citing:

• Lack of Crispiness: The pork belly failed to achieve the essential crispy texture.
• Stale Components: The pork was perceived to be "old."
• Incorrect Preparation: It was toasted (not traditional) and featured Maggie sauce instead of pate and homemade sauce, departing from the authentic Vietnamese style.
• High Price: The $11.80 price tag was deemed exorbitant, particularly compared to similar offerings elsewhere.

Pricing is also brought up in relation to the overall value. While some find the prices worthwhile for the quality, others suggest that it's not a "cheap" option and that it may be more expensive than similar establishments. This may deter budget-conscious shoppers, despite the potential quality advantages.

Contact Information:

• Phone: +61 7 5526 1669
• Address: 12a/34 Southport Burleigh Rd, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218, Australia