Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
Count Your Chickens (Champions Meat & Poultry) in Mill Park is generating a lot of buzz, and not all of it positive. With a current rating of 3.1 out of 5, the butcher shop clearly has its loyal fans, but also faces some significant criticisms. The sheer volume of reviews, ranging from glowing praise to outright condemnation, paints a complex picture of the shopping experience. Located conveniently at Shop 5/415 McDonalds Rd, Mill Park VIC 3082, and open seven days a week from 7 AM to 5 PM, the shop’s accessibility – boasting both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking – is a definite plus for many. They accept credit cards, making transactions easy, and offer in-store pickup for added convenience. However, the experiences customers are reporting suggest consistency is a challenge.
The Dark Side of the Chopping Block: Concerns About Freshness & Customer Service
Several reviewers have raised serious concerns regarding the freshness of the meat, particularly the mince beef and chicken. Multiple customers recount purchasing mince beef that was “off” within a day, leading to wasted food and considerable disappointment. One customer’s experience with chicken thighs was particularly alarming, describing a "funny smell" upon reaching home, forcing them to discard the entire purchase. This has prompted one customer to report the shop to the Department of Health, alleging the potential use of old beef in their mincing process.
Beyond the freshness issues, customer service appears to be a recurring point of contention. Several complaints highlight a reluctance to honour advertised specials, with one customer being denied the discounted price simply for selecting specific cuts of meat. Another customer was reportedly charged for an incorrect cut of lamb (lamb flap trim instead of diced lamb) and met with resistance when attempting to rectify the error, despite multiple attempts to contact the store via phone, Facebook, and in person. This lack of responsiveness and willingness to resolve issues has left several customers vowing to never return.
"I will not be shopping here ever again. I was foolish enough to give them a second go. First time the mince was off by the next day.🤢 The second time same thing." - A Disappointed Customer
Chicken Champions & Specialty Cuts: The Bright Spots
Despite the negative feedback, Count Your Chickens has a strong following, particularly amongst those seeking expertly prepared chicken schnitzels. One reviewer raves about the quality, stating it’s "the absolute best by far" and regularly orders them for work lunches. The friendly staff, especially the long-term employees who remember regular customers, are consistently praised for their welcoming attitude.
Furthermore, the butcher shop excels in sourcing and providing specialty cuts, a significant draw for those passionate about American-style low and slow cooking. Customers have successfully secured hard-to-find items like full beef rib racks and bone-in lamb shoulders by calling ahead. The availability of pork rib racks also adds to their appeal for BBQ enthusiasts. The shop’s focus on chicken is evident, with frequent specials and a wide selection of poultry products.
- Positives:
- Exceptional chicken schnitzels
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Sourcing of hard-to-find specialty cuts (beef ribs, lamb shoulders, pork ribs)
- Frequent specials on chicken
- Convenient opening hours (7 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week)
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking
A Summary of Concerns & Potential Improvements
| Issue | Frequency of Mention | Potential Impact | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshness of Mince Beef/Chicken | High | Food safety concerns, wasted food, customer dissatisfaction, potential health risks | Implement stricter quality control measures, improve stock rotation, regular temperature checks, supplier review |
| Customer Service & Issue Resolution | Moderate | Loss of customer loyalty, negative word-of-mouth | Staff training in customer service and complaint handling, clear policies for returns and price discrepancies, empower staff to resolve issues |
| Adherence to Specials | Moderate | Customer frustration, perception of unfair pricing | Clear signage regarding special conditions, ensure staff are fully briefed on current promotions, consistent application of pricing |
| Incorrect Cuts | Low | Customer inconvenience, financial loss | Improved communication between staff and customers, double-checking orders before packaging |
Ultimately, Count Your Chickens (Champions Meat & Poultry) presents a mixed bag. While the quality of certain products and the friendliness of the staff are undeniable strengths, the recurring issues surrounding meat freshness and customer service need urgent attention to ensure a consistently positive experience for all patrons.