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A Legacy Shifting: The New Face of Illawarra Asian Butchery
Illawarra Asian Butchery, located at 103 Keira St, Wollongong, has a long history in the area, purportedly serving the Illawarra community for 28 years. However, recent customer feedback paints a complex – and often conflicting – picture. A significant shift has occurred within the store in the last year with the retirement of the previous owner, an older lady who appears to be the subject of numerous complaints. The transition to new staff seems to have brought about improvements in overall atmosphere; several reviewers note the current team is “happier and friendly” and are actively working to “improve the shop, looking a lot better than it used to.” This indicates a potential change in trajectory, moving away from previous criticisms.
The shop’s opening hours are consistent throughout the week, a boon for busy shoppers, operating from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays, and 9 AM to 4 PM on Sundays. They accept credit and debit cards, alongside NFC mobile payments, making transactions convenient. However, it’s worth noting, though listed initially as an option in their payment methods, credit cards are apparently not currently accepted, something to confirm before heading in. The focus remains primarily on Asian-style meats, offering cuts not always found in mainstream supermarkets, and some reviewers highlight that certain prices beat those of larger grocery chains. Regulars are appreciated – it's suggested that a consistent buying pattern will inform a longer-term reliability assessment.
The Elephant in the Room: Customer Service Concerns
The most striking and consistent theme running through the reviews is the concerning customer service experience – specifically, issues stemming from the previous owner. It’s clear this individual’s behaviour has left a lasting impression on many customers, and it has significantly impacted the shop's overall reputation. The sentiment can be summarised thus:
- Verbal Aggression & Rudeness: Multiple reviewers detail instances of being verbally abused and spoken to with extreme rudeness, often stemming from simple requests or asking questions. One customer described a situation where they were met with “verbal abuse” and the meat being “thrown back into the glass display."
- Disrespectful Interactions: Numerous accounts detail dismissive and scornful behaviour, with the owner allegedly yelling at customers for minor requests (e.g., asking for an additional piece of char siu).
- General Disrespect: Several individuals and their families have noted a pattern of consistently disrespectful and abrasive behaviour from the owner. Several have stated they will never return.
- Boycott Sentiment: One particularly strong review advocates for a complete boycott of the shop, driven by the unacceptable treatment received. The commenter felt the experience was so dire it didn't even deserve a single-star rating.
This pattern of consistent negativity suggests a serious issue that may have prompted the change in staff and store atmosphere.
The Meat Matters: Quality and Concerns
While customer service dominates the conversation, the quality of the meat itself is also a factor in the reviews, albeit with contrasting opinions. The positive reports highlight the potential for high-quality, fresh meat at competitive prices.
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Great cuts of meat; Best prices in some cases | Claims of meat being "very old" |
| Specific Items | Delicious duck and pork (char siu) highlighted | Instances of pork being “gone off” and inedible |
| Freshness | Fresh meat overall | Recurring issue of meat spoilage impacting purchase |
The recurring complaints regarding meat spoilage (pork going off) are particularly concerning and raise significant questions about hygiene and quality control procedures. One reviewer even suggested notifying health authorities. The supermarket comparison highlights a potential advantage—access to specific Asian cuts—but only if the meat is consistently of high quality. The positive comments surrounding the duck and char siu demonstrate that when the shop delivers on freshness and quality, it can offer truly exceptional products.
Alternatives and Looking Ahead
Given the customer service concerns, several reviewers have proactively recommended alternative butcher shops in the Illawarra region. Asian Lee's Butcher in Warrawong (70 King Street) is frequently cited as a worthwhile alternative, praised for its fresh and prime cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and chicken. Illawarra Meat Co. receives high praise for their quality, freshness, and friendly staff.
The current improvements at Illawarra Asian Butchery, largely attributed to the new staff and management, offer a glimmer of hope. Whether the shop can overcome the legacy of past complaints and consistently deliver a positive experience remains to be seen. The current situation warrants a cautious approach: potential customers should be aware of the historical issues and perhaps try the shop once before committing to regular purchases. The "final consistency review" mentioned by one reviewer reflects the need for ongoing observation to assess if the positive changes are sustainable. The phone number +61 2 4288 6973 is available for direct contact in case of further concerns.