Photo: Jo Tomic 

AFTER 22 years serving the St Clair community, Linda and Mick, the much loved owners of Mathews Meats, are hanging up their aprons and moving into a new chapter of life.

It marks the end of an era for the popular local butcher shop, which has been part of countless family dinners, barbecues and celebrations since opening in 2004.

Running a small business for more than two decades has not come without its challenges. Linda and Mick have weathered difficult times including lockdowns, rising costs and ongoing cost of living pressures, but through it all they built something far greater than a successful business; they built lifelong friendships.

Mick said what they will miss most is the daily interaction with customers.

“We’ve got customers who used to come in with their parents now bringing in their own children,” he said.

“We’ve given out lollipops to several generations.”

For Mick and Linda, the customers became like extended family over the years.

For many loyal customers, including myself for the past two decades, Mathews Meats offered more than quality meat; it was the exceptional customer service and friendly chit-chat that made the shop such a treasured part of the community.

Mick affectionately refers to Linda as the “Mother To All”, saying she formed deep connections with so many people in the community.

“Linda got to know so much about so many people’s lives, we had to get extra hands at the counter because she could be with a customer for over 20 minutes,” Mick laughed.

“I’d joke and say, ‘Did you make an appointment?’ when people came looking for Linda.”

For many years, Linda and Mick have also been passionate supporters of the local community through their sponsorship of the Comets Junior Rugby League club and St Clair Soccer club. From donating meat trays to helping support countless club activities and fundraisers, their generosity has extended far beyond the walls of the butcher shop. Their contribution to local sport and community spirit is something many families in St Clair will remember and appreciate for years to come.

Whilst overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from loyal customers following the announcement, Mick said the time feels right to move on. The couple are looking forward to spending more time with their four grandsons, travelling and seeing more of Australia.

Although they are stepping away from the business, locals will still spot the familiar faces around St Clair Shopping Centre.

“We’ll still be doing our own shopping here,” Mick said.

Linda and Mick are also encouraging customers to continue supporting the business under its new owners, Chris and Bec.  

“They are lovely local people who live in St Clair and they will slip into the role with ease,” Mick said.

“They’ll fit like a glove.”

The friendly staff at Mathews Meats are also staying on board. 

“The staff we have had over the years have been there for us and are family to us – especially the young ones, who are like our grandchildren,” Mick said. 

Before closing this chapter, Mick wanted to thank the owners and management of St Clair Shopping Centre for helping Mathews Meats remain viable and successful for so many years. They also asked to acknowledge the great support from “beautiful Jo from St Marys Town Centre.” 

Most importantly, both Linda and Mick expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the community that supported them for more than two decades.

“To all our customers over the years, thank you for your loyalty and friendship,” Mick said.  “We couldn’t have lasted this long without you all.”