Our Heritage
A Legacy of Craft, Community, and Innovation
Welcome to the heart of our craft. Our business is built on three decades of tradition, the strength of family, and a forward-thinking partnership designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern hospitality industry.
The Foundation
Josh’s Journey
The story begins at Glenferrie Gourmet Meats on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. At just 16 years old, Josh started his apprenticeship in the very shop he now proudly owns. With 30 years of continuous industry tenure, Josh has become a cornerstone of the Melbourne meat scene, often sought out by 3AW to share his expertise as a recognized industry guru.
Josh’s wealth of knowledge spans every facet of the trade:
- Retail Butchery & Wholesaling
- Smallgoods Production
- Providore Operations
- Specialist Cheese Knowledge
A Family Legacy
Tricky Buddhs Smallgoods
For 30 years, Josh has worked side-by-side with his father and two brothers (Jake & Luke). A decade ago, this deep family bond led to the creation of “Tricky Buddhs Smallgoods.”
The name is a heartfelt tribute to his father, Ricky, who remains an inspiration to all three brothers. Combining his name ‘Ricky’ with the nickname ‘Buddhs’ (a playful nod to his round, Buddha-like stomach), Tricky Buddhs represents the heritage and character that we infuse into every product we make.
The Partnership
Josh & Eamon
Josh and Eamon’s friendship dates back to childhood. After building and running 12 successful cafes, Eamon moved on from the front lines of hospitality to team up with Josh. Together, they identified a critical gap in the market: the struggle of hospitality operators facing soaring labor costs.
By combining Josh’s master butchery with Eamon’s strategic hospitality experience, they transformed the business into a wholesale smallgoods and value-add meat manufacturing powerhouse. We don't just supply protein; we provide solutions. By cooking, portioning, packing, and distributing finished products, we help venues cut labor costs without sacrificing quality.
Leadership
Our Leadership Team
Expertise
Josh
Eamon
Core Focus
Master Butcher & Industry Guru
Hospitality & Strategic Operations
Experience
30 Years Continuous Tenure
20 Years Hospitality / 5 Years Smallgoods/Wholesale Meat Manufacturing/Processing
Specialties
Wholesale, Retail, Cheese Specialist
Certified/Accredited Meat Producing (smallgoods manufacture), Cost Cutting, Benchmarking
Today, we continue to honor the "Tricky Buddhs" legacy by providing premium quality meats and innovative solutions to the Melbourne hospitality community and beyond.