Meatland, a popular retail and wholesale store in Midland, has changed ownership today but customers will continue to see familiar faces.
Retiring owners Kurt and Christine Noack sold the business to their son Mitchell Noack and long-time employees Trevor Przybyszewski and Mike Robitaille as of Dec. 1.
Kurt is happy that the store is in good hands.
"I want to see the business carry on and these guys have proven themselves over time," he said.
This marks the third generation of the Noack family to run the business.
It started in 1959 with Kurt's parents Paul and Betty Noack and Kurt's aunt and uncle Jean and Lionel Hanmer, who purchased Argue's Meat Market on King Street.
The business moved to its current location of 229 Midland Ave. in 1967. Twelve years later, the Noacks became the sole owners when they purchased the Hanmer’s share.
In November 1994, keeping with the family tradition, Paul and Betty retired and Kurt and his wife Christine took over the business.
Now 29 years later, Kurt and Christine are leaving the business to their son Mitchell, Przybyszewski and Robitaille.
Mitchell grew up in the business, helping his parents from the age of five.
"I asked for an allowance and I starting cleaning toilets the next day," said Mitchell with a laugh.
He got paid 25 cents an hour. He collected his quarters and later asked for an action figure. Kurt told him to "save his money."
"I'm very proud of the business and working here and I love being with everyone and I'm excited to carry it on," Mitchell said.
About his partners, he said, "We make an phenomenal team. We work very well together. It makes for a really strong partnership. It's certainly nice to have others to lean on."
Przybyszewski has worked at Meatland for 20 years, starting out as a delivery driver and helping in the store.
"I slowly learned how to cut meat and I've been doing that every since and learning how to manage the business when Kurt and Chris were away. It's become a passion of mine. I enjoy working here. I enjoy cutting meat and working with the public," he said.
Robitaille has been working at Meatland for 17 years and wanted to become an owner.
"It's a passion of mine and I'm confident in doing this and I have a diploma in accounting, so it helps with the business part of things," he said.
Like Mitchell, Kurt also grew up in the business, helping his parents from the age of eight. He's worked for the business exclusively for 53 years.
"I've never drawn a paycheque from anywhere else," he said.
Kurt and Christine love boating and dream of a one-year-long boating trip.
"Even if we don't do that, we are just looking forward to having more time for us," said Christine. "More time to do the things we've always wanted to do. It's been very difficult to pull away from the store. It's very busy."