Butcher Kev celebrates 25 years of business

FOR Rockhampton butcher Kev Brown building his family business has been a “labour of love”.

Kev Brown's Butchery is celebrating its 25th birthday. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Chris Ison

FOR Rockhampton butcher Kev Brown building his family business has been a "labour of love".

This month, Kev will celebrate his 25th year in business for his shop at the Highway Palms Shopping Complex on Yaamba Rd.

"I have always been a big believer in the saying that 'people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it'," he said.

"I am passionate about quality produce and get enjoyment from knowing I'm providing our community with a good product."

Kev said keeping the family business small meant he was able to get to know many of his customers by name and maintain a high level of service.

Capricorn Enterprise chief executive Mary Carroll said small local businesses were the backbone of our community and part of our culture. "Like many local business owners, Kev is very involved in the local community and sponsors many junior and senior sports," she said.

"He has been a member of Capricorn Enterprise for many years and we are very excited about this fantastic achievement. At the end of the day, what better place to own a butcher shop than in Rockhampton - The Beef Capital of Australia."

Kev Brown's Butchery opened its doors on April 18 1988, when the industry was thriving nationally, but 25 year later, Australia has less than half the amount of independent butcher shops as it did then.

Over the years, Kev has had to diversify in order to compete with the larger supermarkets.

"I sell more than just meat, so I like to think that I'm creating an experience that surrounds a meal," Kev said.

"Small businesses must continue to change and evolve in order to survive."

To celebrate, every customer that walks in the doors over the next month will go in the draw to win a family break at Rosslyn Bay Resort.

Originally published as Butcher Kev celebrates 25 years of business