New owners revealed: Debbie’s Seafood sells for millions
A Mackay seafood icon is changing hands as the husband-wife founders of the Slade Point store sell up to a couple that remind them of themselves 30 years ago.
Mackay
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An award-winning seafood business run by a husband-wife team for almost two decades is passing on the torch to new owners.
Debbie’s Seafood, run by Debbie and Mark Ahern, will officially be under new ownership from February 10 after the Aherns sold it for “a number in the millions”.
Mr Ahern said new owners Craig Wescombe and Julia remind them of themselves 30 years ago.
“We were keen,” Mr Ahern said.
“It’s just a bit harder for us, we’re older.”
Evolving from a fleet of seven seafood trucks to a retail store and cafe at David Muir St, Slade Point the business became a Mackay icon, and won the National Seafood Industry Business award in 2022.
The business was put on the market in February 2023 as the Aherns decided they were ready to retire.
Mr Wescombe, who moved to the Greater Whitsundays seven years ago with partner Julia Schultz, is a pro reef fisherman with his Bowen based boat the Stromboli.
“We started fishing out of bowen and looking to sell our own product,” Mr Wescombe said.
“We were lucky enough to come across Mark and Debbie and we progressed with them for the sale of the business.”
He said he was surprised at the reef fish supply in Mackay ands aim to bring an abundance of coral trout to the business and Mackay consumers.
The Ahern’s promise little will change over the next six months as Debbie’s is handed over, with Mr Ahern continuing to fish in the estuaries to maintain supply and all staff remaining with the business.
Ms Ahern said the new owners would be “so busy” thanks to the consistent support of the Mackay community .
“It’s been a journey... a big journey, but it’s gone so fast,” Ms Ahern said.
“Thanks to Mackay, just for their support... it’s been overwhelming actually.
Mr Ahern asked Mackay to extend the same support to the new owners.
“Anyone starting a business in this day and age they need the local support,” he said.
The Ahern’s said “it’s our time now” and the two plan to travel to Melbourne in the near future and Japan in December.
Customers with Debbie’s Seafood vouchers have until February 9 to redeem them.
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Originally published as New owners revealed: Debbie’s Seafood sells for millions
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