A.Z BUTCHER AND SEAFOOD: Fresh Cuts and Stellar Service Await

A.Z. Butcher and Seafood: A Mixed Bag of Reviews

A.Z. Butcher and Seafood, located at 12 Leonard Ave, Noble Park VIC 3174, has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating a generally positive reputation amongst its clientele. However, reviews paint a picture of a business experiencing both substantial praise and concerning issues. Operating Monday to Friday from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays until 5:00 PM, with Sundays closed, A.Z. caters to early risers and weekend shoppers. They accept both cash and credit cards, offer wheelchair accessible parking, and aim for quick visit efficiency. Let's dive into what customers are saying.

The High Notes: Quality, Freshness, and the Exceptional Billy

The cornerstone of many positive reviews is the consistent commendation of A.Z. Butcher and Seafood’s product quality. Customers frequently highlight the freshness of the meat and seafood, praising the variety, especially their offerings of goat, lamb, and chicken. Several reviewers express that it is “the best” – a perspective solidified by returning customers.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes customers sing its praises:

• Outstanding Meat Quality: Numerous clients emphasize the superior quality and freshness of the available cuts. Rib eye in particular receives rave reviews.
• Wide Variety: The shop’s range of produce, including specialist meats like goat and lamb, is a significant draw for many.
• Halal Options: A significant and appreciated detail for some customers is the assurance that all products, including frozen items, are Halal certified. This is visually confirmed through product labelling.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: Across multiple reviews, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff are highlighted.
• The Billy Factor: Special mention must be made of ‘Billy,’ a young team member who repeatedly receives exceptional praise. Customers describe his service as "excellent" and "classy," noting his professionalism, charm, and dedication. One reviewer even suggested a raise, and another found him "attractive," demonstrating the positive impact he has on the customer experience. It’s clear Billy is a key asset to A.Z. Butcher and Seafood. It's worth noting though, customer's unique opinions may vary

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting A.Z Butcher & Seafood, and I must say, the experience was exceptional! The quality of the meat was absolutely top-notch, and the service was second to none. A special shoutout to Billy, a young and incredibly talented team member who served me with such excellence and class.” – A delighted customer.

Concerns Raised: Hygiene and Customer Service Issues

While many champion A.Z. Butcher and Seafood, a significant portion of reviews describe alarming issues regarding hygiene and the owner's behaviour. These criticisms highlight serious areas needing immediate attention.

• Unsanitary Practices: One reviewer reported witnessing the owner handling meat with bare hands, a practice considered unhygienic. This is a critical concern given the nature of the business.
• Disrespectful Owner Behaviour: A particularly disturbing account details the owner laughing at a customer for placing a smaller order. This perceived dismissiveness, coupled with further rudeness when the customer addressed the issue, resulted in a complete rejection of the shop.
• Refusal of Service: The owner reportedly told the distressed customer not to return, demonstrating a concerning lack of professional customer service skills.
• Inconsistent Credit Card Processing: While payment options include credit cards, it’s listed as both "enabled" and "disabled". Clarifying this for customers is essential.

Settling In and Finding a Gem

Despite the negative experiences reported, several customers have found A.Z. Butcher and Seafood to be a reliable and high-quality option, particularly after trying various butchers in the area. A few reviews suggest a consistent relationship, with customers settling on A.Z. Butcher and Seafood after exploring other options.

Key points from these ‘settled’ customers include:

• Consistent Quality over Time: Those who have shopped at A.Z. Butcher and Seafood for several years report a consistent level of quality.
• Accommodating Owner: Several reviewers mention the owner's willingness to accommodate requests and their overall helpfulness. This contrasts sharply with the negative feedback regarding the owner's behaviour.
• A "Dream" Fulfilled: One customer expressed delight at finding a butcher, seafood and frozen goods provider all under one roof, with a focus on cleanliness and Halal options. They describe it as a "wild dream" come true.
• Telephone Contact: For those with queries, the shop can be contacted on +61 3 9551 7777.