Couple to sell store after two decades

AFTER more than 20 years in Mackay Chick-A-Dee Chargrill Food Bar owners Doug and Kaye Gaylard have decided they are ready to retire.

Chick-A-Dee Chargrill Food Bar owners Doug and Kaye Gaylard have put their Nebo Rd store on the market. Picture: Shakira Sellen

AFTER more than 20 years in Mackay Chick-A-Dee Chargrill Food Bar owners Doug and Kaye Gaylard have decided they are ready to retire.

The couple came to Mackay in 1989, Mr Gaylard said.

"We're not getting any younger and we've been here a long time," he said.

"We just think, 'Let's go'.

"It will be a sad time when we go."

He said they always wanted to own the Nebo Rd store although it wasn't the only shop they've owned in Mackay.

They also owned a Bucasia supermarket and Doc's Place formerly Pitt's Store on Bridge Rd during their time.

The couple had created a family-like atmosphere when it comes to hiring staff, including keeping in contact with former employees and their families, Mr Gaylard said.

"The years we've been here we've had some great people work here," he said.

"We're made some really good friends here.

"We've got people here that have been coming here for 30 years, even before we got here and they're still coming in."

"We always try an employ people with a personality so they can have a joke and a laugh."

He said the biggest highlight he had from owning the store was interacting with customers, especially families.

The friendly customer service was what the shop was known for, he said.

"There have been a lot of ups and downs, Mr Gaylard said.

"We've probably stayed here because Kay thinks we give the best service possible.

"If you don't get too expensive and rip everyone off... it's not easy but if you're friendly and look after the people you've got.

"You've got to keep the customers you've got and if you can improve, get a few more."

The store has withstood flooding and the impact of a fire close by over the years.

It had to be closed for seven months and then re-opened in June 2010 after a fire ripped through a vacant building beside the Nebo Rd store. The fire caused significant smoke damage in the takeaway shop.

"When we first came the floods were a nuisance," Mr Gaylard said.

"But over time we've adjusted. We still get locked in for two or three hours but it's not the problem it used to be."

He said a few people had enquired about the sale but they had not put a timeframe on selling the business.

Mr Gaylard said once they sold the shop they may "move down the coast" as their daughter and grandson live on the Sunshine Coast.

Originally published as Couple to sell store after two decades