Community
9 May, 2025
Celebrating 20 years of serving "extended family"
THE Chook Shed is celebrating 20 years since it first opened its doors.
Today, the Chook Shed still goes strong – operating five days a week.
Owner Toni Dombrovski said he had originally planned on opening for three days each week, but the idea snowballed when the town embraced the store.
“I’m humbled that it’s still going 20 years later,” he said.
“It’s humbling to know the town has embraced the shop the way it has, and it’s become a part of the community.”
Mr Dombrovski said the Chook Shed continues to grow and evolve, keeping pace with the demographic, palate and demand changes occurring within the Camperdown community.
“We’re always updating – how we did things 40 years ago when i first started is not the same as I did it 20 years ago or as I did it 10 years ago,” he said.
“We have constant external audits which we use to update and upgrade constantly.
“Our systems have always been updated to keep up with food allergies, food standards, and changing tastes.
“That’s why we focus on quality products and customer service.”
Having been a part of the community for 20 years, Mr Dombrovski said he views his customers more as extended family members than just customers in his store.
“I’ve got mums coming in now who would have been coming in as toddlers, and now they’re bringing in their toddlers,” he said.
“It’s been really humbling to be part of their families and their losses – we are part of the community, and everyone loves talking in here.
“We share in their joy and their grief.
“That’s probably one of the things that makes the shop really unique – you don’t just come in here and say give me some chicken.
“It’s like an extended family with a thousand members – we all know each other.”
Read More: Camperdown