Pros 
Cons The Butcher Club: A Tale of Two Experiences
The Butcher Club, located at 80C Harvester Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020, presents a perplexing picture for potential customers. With a current rating of 2.7 out of 5, reviews paint a vivid, albeit inconsistent, portrait of a business offering both exceptional quality meat and deeply concerning customer service issues. While some patrons sing its praises, others have encountered experiences that leave them questioning the shop's integrity and professionalism. This article delves into the diverse feedback surrounding The Butcher Club, separating the sizzle from the potential for a burnt experience.
Quality Concerns & Questionable Practices
Several reviews highlight serious concerns regarding the freshness and honesty of the meat sold at The Butcher Club. The most alarming incident reported involves the sale of an expired pre-made lasagna, a lapse that understandably drew a one-star rating and a vow to never return. This raises significant questions about the shop's food safety protocols and quality control measures. Beyond this, other customers have voiced suspicions of deceptive practices:
- Weight Manipulation: Multiple reviewers allege that chicken ribs are padded with extra skin to artificially inflate the weight, essentially deceiving customers. One reviewer specifically mentioned "300 grams of chicken breast skin just chucked in there for extra weight." This isn't a one-off complaint, with one customer stating it's "not the first time they’ve done dodgy butcher tricks there before."
- Lack of Choice & Rigid Service: A recurring theme is the inability to select specific cuts of meat. Customers are reportedly given a random piece from a tray, and requests to choose a different one are met with refusal and a dismissive attitude. This lack of flexibility is frustrating for those seeking particular cuts or sizes.
- Missing Items: One customer was shortchanged 12 lamb cutlets, receiving only 11 despite paying for a dozen. The cashier's apparent nonchalance, coupled with a refusal to provide a receipt, further eroded trust.
| Issue | Description | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expired Food | Sale of lasagna two days past its expiry date | 1 (Significant) | High |
| Weight Padding | Chicken ribs containing excessive skin to increase weight | Multiple | Medium |
| Limited Choice | Inability to select specific cuts from a tray | Recurring | Medium |
| Short Changing | Receiving fewer items than paid for | 1 | Medium |
The Staff: A Source of Contention
The most consistent and damaging criticism levelled against The Butcher Club revolves around the behaviour of its staff. While some reviewers describe friendly and helpful service, a significant number have reported encountering rude, dismissive, and even discriminatory behaviour.
- Rude & Unpleasant Interactions: Several customers have described staff as having "shocking attitudes" and being "very unpleasant to deal with." One particularly distressing account details a situation where staff members openly mocked and belittled Asian customers who politely inquired about the contents of a "cordon bleu" dish. The staff allegedly told them to "read the ticket" despite the ticket lacking any description.
- Discriminatory Behaviour: The incident involving the Asian customers strongly suggests potential discriminatory practices. The staff's behaviour – openly talking about the customers and giving them dirty looks – is deeply concerning and unacceptable.
- Lack of Professionalism: A customer on a budget was met with eye-rolling when requesting a small amount of mince, highlighting a lack of empathy and understanding. The sentiment "if you don't want to be at work, don't be at work" encapsulates the unprofessional attitude some customers have experienced.
It's clear that staff training and a focus on customer service are urgently needed to address these pervasive issues.
Moments of Meat-Lover's Delight
Despite the significant criticisms, The Butcher Club does garner praise for the quality of its meat, particularly its grass-fed options and lamb.
- Exceptional Meat Quality: Several reviewers rave about the quality of the meat, especially the sausages and lamb chops, describing them as "top quality stuff" and "the best sausages I have had in Australia."
- Competitive Pricing: Compared to larger supermarket chains like Woolworths and Coles, The Butcher Club offers competitive prices, particularly for grass-fed meat and lamb. This affordability, combined with the perceived higher quality, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious carnivores.
- Carnivore Diet Friendly: The shop is described as a "go to place" for those following a carnivore diet, suggesting a good selection of meat cuts suitable for this dietary approach.
- Helpful Staff (Occasionally): While the negative experiences dominate, some customers have encountered friendly and helpful staff who are willing to assist with their needs.
The Butcher Club presents a complex case. While the potential for high-quality meat at competitive prices exists, the significant concerns regarding food safety, deceptive practices, and, most importantly, staff behaviour, cast a long shadow over the overall experience. Potential customers should proceed with caution and be prepared for a potentially inconsistent encounter.