A Cut Above Family Butcher “does things a bit different from other shops”, says owner Daniel McCarthy.
“We’ve gotten away from being traditional butchers – although we still have all your steaks, chops, minces and traditional cuts.”
Cut Above has tapped into a different market with its quick and easy meal solutions.
The butcher has created a range of pastries and meals for people on the go, with the freshness and flavour of homemade food.
“You can go home, chuck them in the oven and prepare a few things but that’s about it,” Daniel says.
“We work to that 30-minute bracket for cooking.”
The butcher prepares ready-to-go meals including chicken pizza pockets, Mediterranean lamb parcels, chicken enchiladas and butter chicken.
“We make everything on site,” Daniel says.
And don’t forget sausage rolls made from Cut Above’s award-winning Bonza Burger mince, which is choc-full of carrot, red onion, cheese and beetroot.
The Bonza won Australian Meat Industry Council’s best burger in Victoria and runner-up in Australia in February.
It was “good for promotion” but the popular burgers sell themselves, Daniel says.
“Even now getting to winter we would sell 3000 a week so they just love the product.”
Daniel just missed out on being the best in the ‘Butcher Wars’ at this year’s Meatstock.
“There was a point between me and the guy Adelaide – that’s how close it was,” the 37-year-old says.
In a test of speed, creativity and showmanship, Daniel had 30 minutes to process a leg of lamb and side of pork by hand into products.
“I made 13 products and the winner made seven,” he says.
All the meat went to Second Bite for the homeless, who no doubt enjoyed the meal.
Daniel started as a butcher at 15 and is now passing on his knowledge to the new generation.
With 20 years in the industry, he says his employees and their customer service are the key to his business.
“I couldn’t do it without them. I can’t serve all the customers and cut all the meat.”
