Burwood feed and fuel business calls time on a century of trading

For almost a century, one business has been meeting the more rustic needs of the good folk of Melbourne’s east. Now the long-running business’ gates are closing for good. Here’s their story.

Burwood Fuel and Fodder Supply’s Ian McKay is ready to call time. Picture: Hamish Blair

For almost a century, Burwood Fuel and Fodder Supply — though not always with that name — has been meeting the more rustic needs of the good folk of Whitehorse.

But the historic business will shut its gates for the last time next week, with devoted shopkeeper of 48 years Ian McKay calling it a day.

“It has been a wonderful journey of learning, laughs and friendships but the time has come to move onto the next stage in my life,” he said.

Ian McKay at Fuel and Fodder on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Burwood, Victoria, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

Mr McKay has prided himself on treating his customers like friends, always up to give advice or talk footy, and has certainly made a few friends along the way.

Up to 200 people have reacted to the news of his departure on Facebook alone. Many said how much they would miss Mr McKay and dropping in for a chat.

Kate Gillard wrote: “You have had such a great business and it was always a highlight of our week when we visited. We will miss being able to drop by.”

Mr McKay said the community response to him leaving had “been quite phenomenal”.

“I go home and say, ‘I’ve had three hugs today’,” he said.

“I’m going to have to invest in a box of Kleenex for the counter.”

Mr McKay has had loyal customers for more than 40 years, including some from four generations of one family.

And the shopkeeper has returned the loyalty, working so hard he’s only had one holiday longer than a month in 45 years.

Now he’s looking forward to having a rest and spending time with his wife, Marie.

His lease arrangement means the feed shop will go with him.

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It all began way back in 1922 as J W Doherty & Sons Hay and Corn Store.

The business moved to just near the corner of Warrigal and Toorak roads in 1929, where it has been until now.

The name was changed to Burwood Fuel and Fodder Supply in 1954.

Mr McKay began working for the store after school as a 14-year-old. When he finished school, one of the two Doherty sons died and Mr McKay decided to “help out for a while”.

“I didn’t realise a while meant 45 years,” he said.

He had planned on a career in finance, but was handed the reins of the business when he turned 21.

Mr McKay said the nature of the business had changed a lot over the years.

The ‘Fuel’ in the store’s name used to refer to wooden briquettes, used to generate warmth in households.

More demand for pet food and gardening supplies began as people acquired larger blocks. Before Bunnings Warehouse came along, the store used to sell fertiliser by the tonne, Mr McKay said.

But the store has always sold fodder, hay, dog food and similar products.

Mr McKay estimates he’s sold between 20,000-30,000 tonnes of his special birdseed mix over the years.

He’s had a long interest in pigeon racing, being a member of the Victorian Homing Association for 40 years, which led him to sell supplies for pigeons all over Australia.

As he leaves the world of business, Mr McKay wanted to share his longtime motto that has never failed him.

“Treat people as you want to be treated — that’s the secret to business.”

Burwood Fuel and Fodder store will close on Saturday, October 27.

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