But it’s not the end of the business - just the start of a new direction, with the possibility of employing more people.

Dwyer’s Butchery was started way back in 1945 by local butcher, Charles Dwyer - and it has remained in the family in the same location ever since.

Charlie brought his two sons, Jack and Kevin into the shop which became a popular stopover for customers and local residents alike for a yarn.

Daughters Maureen (Maxwell) and Pat (Byrne) also worked in the shop.

It was only natural that the next generation would also become butchers and work in the shop, with Jack’s sons, Mark (1976) and Colin (1984) also joining the team.

Jack and Kevin remained for all of their working life.

Kevin passed on in 2004 and Jack in 2012.

Mark and Colin have carried on the business, being joined in recent years by Mick Dumesny and Vanessa Woolner.

Some of the best known identities in Parkes have worked with the butchery over the years.

They include George Guise, Roger Hurst, Tony Yeo, Barry Parker, Les Sinderberry, Matthew Parker, Paul Reynolds, Wilbur Harris and Wayne Rauchle.

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In August 2003, Dwyer’s Butchery was purchased by the Peterson family who operated H and M Foods and the name was changed to Dwyer’s Fresh.

Also in 2003 H and M expanded their operation into Bathurst, Mudgee and West Wyalong and later changed their name to Food Service Central (FSC).

Business continued as normal at Dwyer’s with these changes, except it became much busier, providing wholesale supplies for FSC as well as looking after their normal retail customers.

Then in November 2014, large family business PFD Foods purchased Food Service Central from the Petersons.

This meant an expansion into a network of 15 operations in NSW and 66 across Australia.

PFD have direct links to abattoirs and farmers which provides substantial advantages with costs and sourcing A grade supplies.

But it now means that Dwyer’s workload has increased dramatically, with an opportunity to supply wholesale butchery meat throughout the state.

“We were that busy, it was impossible to keep up both aspects of the business,” Mark Dwyer explained.

“We couldn’t do both, retail and wholesale, so we have decided to cease our retail operation.

“It will be business as usual however, it will be wholesale only.

“Clubs, restaurants, bistros, cafés, takeaways, bakeries, sporting clubs and people who have major events, parties etc, will still be able to contact us for bulk supplies.”

PFD Area Business Manager, Anthony Ruzgas said Dwyers would now have a greatly expanded role within the company.

“They will be preparing wholesale meat to foodservice customers for our operations across the state, and we are looking to employ more apprentices to cope with the increased load.

“Mick is remaining, while Vanessa is joining our team at the FSC branch.

“Mark and Col have worked very long hours for many, many years, but should now be able to have more normal hours of work which they are both looking forward to.

Mark said he is very happy with the change.

“It’s sad to see a shop front close, but nice to know employment is continuing with the prospect of more staff.”

Dwyers will cease retail trade to customers from today.

FSC is a large employer in Parkes with almost 30 team members employed at the branch and butchery.