Hot Diggity Dog, It's A Pet Food Butchery

TLC Pet Food has re-opened their doors. After months of uncertainty thrown up by the closure of the Kirby Industrial Estate in Yandina, the small Coast business is retailing fresh and nutritious Take-Away Pet Front from their new shopfront at 207 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba. In keeping with their pet oriented philosophy a Meal On Wheels service forms part of the business.

TLC owner Collette Durkin thought the business would have to shut the doors permanently when tenants of the Yandina based industrial estate were issued with a notice to quit by receivers three months ago. After decades of tenancy TLC was required to move production and retail facilities within eight weeks.

Finding an alternative location at an affordable price in the time frame was virtually impossible on the Sunshine Coast advised Ms Durkin.

'When we had nowhere to turn we approached Sunshine Coast Enterprises, a business support agency funded through council, and our local Member of Parliament Peter Wellington.

'Their total support helped us by steering TLC through the process of relocation. Finding a suitable and affordable premises was virtually impossible. They brought us together with Council Town Planning, Department of Primary Industry, Numerous Real Estate Agents and Banks.

'And here we are today. Sunshine Coast Enterprises helped us see a new focus for our business. We have lots of plans to reposition our business as a specialised butcher retailing in preservative free meat products and other goodies to pet owners right across the Coast.'

The impending closure of TLC affected an estimated 12 employees and sub-contractors within the rural township of Yandina. Whilst Ms Durkin is saddened that their business has had to move from the rural community she is optimistic about the future for Yandina and her business.

'Our Meals On Wheels service for pet owners means that our special 4 legged food fairy's around Yandina/Nambour still have a job. We also will be able to look after our traditional customer base through our home delivery service.'

TLC are celebrating the relocation of the business on Wednesday 8th September at 11:00am.

Despite many doubters, difficult times, and the lack of affordable retail and production facilities on the Coast, it seems TLC Pet Food is no longer a stray, has found a home and is open for business.

Colette Durkin
The Proud and Happy Owner of TLC Pet Food. On The Beautiful Sunshine Coast.
03 September 2010

Permanent Link: Hot Diggity Dog, It's A Pet Food Butchery
Publish Date: 05 Sep 10