Lean times put end to dreams

Owner Darryl Hatchett will be hanging up his apron and knives as his butcher shop, Pacific Meats in Torquay’s Bideford St, closes its doors.

Alistair Brightman

DARRYL Hatchett describes it as one of the most difficult decisions he has ever had to make.

The Bideford St butcher is closing the doors of his business, Pacific Meats, after 20 years tomorrow and making the call wasn't easy.

The struggling local economy played a major role in his choice, as did the ever-growing market share of the bigger shopping centres.

"Times are tough," Mr Hatchett said.

But he looks back fondly on the time he spent doing business in Hervey Bay.

"I've loved it," he said.

"I've made some really good friends."

Mr Hatchett said the best part about his business during the past 20 years had been the customers.

"We've had some great staff over the years too."

He said a lot had changed since he first got into the business, with gourmet sausages considered fancy back then.

The business had since diversified and did everything from pies to ready-made stir-fries.

As for Mr Hatchett, he was looking for a change and hoped to find work at the mines somewhere in Queensland.

He still loves the Fraser Coast and hopes to keep living in Hervey Bay if he can find a fly-in, fly-out job.