Battle for Queensland’s best butcher heats up
Hot chips with sausage? Slow-cooked brisket, macaroni and cheese? How about spicy ramen? Bellmere Butcher’s Jackson Miano is on a mission to show you exactly how sausage is made.
ButcherTok, as it is known, It’s not a new phenomenon. But now two of Queensland’s most popular butcher shops are trying to leverage their online following to become the best butcher shop in the state.
“[We’ve] We’ve been putting a lot of effort into the last few years, trying to build something pretty cool, so we think it’s good [to be nominated]Miano, the owner of the shop, says.
The state government’s Queensland Day initiative, All The Best, is asking the public to nominate and vote for their favorite business, foodie, beach or attraction in the state. An intense butcher war has begun to escalate this year.
At the time of publication, The Bellmere Butcher was in fourth place, while Cannon Hill’s The Butcher Shoppe was in first place, Townsville’s Tavern Meats was in second, Stafford Heights’ Rode Meats was in third and Townsville’s Riverway Meats was in fifth place.
But Miano says there is no excitement in the competition.
“Everyone maintains this social presence and really brings the butchers together,” Miano says.
“Whoever takes first place will deserve it. [We’re] I’m trying to bring the butcher community back together… there’s definitely enough [room] for all of us.”
His sentiment was echoed by Rode Meats owner Patrick “Will” Burgoyne, whose team had just learned of the nomination and was planning a campaign to push them to the top spot.
“There’s absolutely no competition between butcher shops…it’s more of the smaller retailers against the big guys,” he says.
“There will be a lot of bragging rights… no matter who comes out on top, but it will all be friendly.”
The Queensland Day competition is in its second year but is being expanded to butcher shops for the first time.
Miano became an apprentice butcher 11 years ago and met his now wife Megan at the Caboolture shop. The couple took over the shop more than three years ago.
The operation has turned into a busy activity and they are preparing to move to a larger area in the same complex by the end of the year.
“Twelve months ago I didn’t think we’d be able to take photos with customers, that’s for sure. It’s really nice to see so many people supporting local again.”
Miano’s approach to ButcherTok isn’t just about setting up the camera and hoping for the best. He uses his account to ask his customers what they want and deliver delicious, sometimes extravagant, sausage flavors.
A single video — created during the COVID-19 pandemic — showing Miano making hot chips, steak and sausage with pepper sauce has been viewed more than 700,000 times on TikTok. The team now embarks on a journey to create the spiciest ramen sausage.
Meanwhile, Brisbane-based Rode Meats has revealed a star in its ranks apprentice butcher at Ethan Johns. His lively reviews have helped the store amass a large social following. A sausage making video has been watched more than 5.8 million times.
Rode Meats will open two more sister stores next year, bringing the store’s network to six in total. For owner Burgoyne, his team’s work ethic and focus on community would make his shop a well-deserved winner.
“I was never in business to be a millionaire, so I love giving back and seeing our community at Rode Meats grow,” he said.
And for Miano at The Bellmere Butcher, the team’s friendly service and passion for the industry make them shine.
They both say that if they win, they will prepare a sausage to celebrate.
What is the Best competition?
All of the Best categories range from the best patisserie to the butcher shop, from the cafe to the burger place, from the beach to the tourist attractions. There are 15 categories you can vote for.
“From your local pizzeria to your favorite beach, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about our great state,” Premier David Crisafulli said to introduce the competition in April.
Voting will end on Thursday, May 28. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 3 June, ahead of Queensland Day on Saturday 6 June.
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