Vince Garreffa’s son steps up to butcher’s block

After 56 years in the meat game, Perth was in shock when beloved butcher Vince Garreffa hung up his apron for the final time.

However, the big shoes he left were quickly and seamlessly filled by someone who already knew the ins and outs of the business — his son, Robert.

“I have been involved with Mondo Butchers since I was nine years old, standing on crates next to a sausage filler learning the art,” he says. “My background is accounting … in 2004, I decided to come back … to see where we could take the company.”

Mondo Butchers opened in Midland in 1979, before moving to Inglewood in 1996. Robert says the business is now five times the size, handles the best meat on offer in Australia and sells to restaurants, hotels and cafes across WA.

“Mondo’s is synonymous with good, old-fashioned service, attention to quality at a fair price,” he says, adding their Saturday morning hot roast rolls are considered a must-try.

“At Mondo, we care about the produce we purvey and the health of our customers. We have many certified organic and free-range options as well as a wide range of gluten-free items.”

While Vince has been enjoying a well-deserved holiday after a heart attack, he is still following Mondo’s success closely — and even responds to the odd email.