Young man buys butcher after completing apprenticeship

A 21-year-old Toowoomba man has bought and taken over the butchery he completed his apprenticeship at, achieving his dream of running his own business.

Lochlan Waters.

A 21-year-old man has achieved his dream of owning his own business with the takeover of a Toowoomba butcher.

Lochlan Waters became the official owner of Uniplaza Meats last year after completing his butchery apprentice and working for the business since 2017.

Mr Waters started his apprenticeship in 2013 at St George and said he hadn’t looked back since.

“I never thought of butchery as a career path, but once I started, I enjoyed the daily challenges and fast-paced environment, which led to my passion today,” he said.

“I dreamt of owning my own shop one day, and like most young people never thought it would happen. But as soon as the opportunity arose, I thought why not grab it with both hands and give it a crack.”

Lochlan Waters.

Taking over Uniplaza Meats proved a great decision with Mr Waters already seeing growth in the business.

“Although there have been a few learning curves, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.

“I have made a few small changes, however now I have found my feet I will be looking to make a few big changes this year.”

At Uniplaza Meats, all the meat is locally sourced within 100km of the store. It offers a large range of grass-fed beef, lamb and goat sourced from Pittsworth, as well as award-winning pork from Haden, and free-range chickens from Lillydale.

Mr Waters said all produce was made fresh in store.

“We have everything from sausages to bacon as well as corned-silverside and beersticks and anything in between.”

Visit Uniplaza Meats at 462 West St, Kearneys Spring.