Owners Michelle and Jason Bathman show where there's smoke, there's usually success.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
More than 30 years ago, Jason Bathman took a gap year and landed a job at Barbeques Galore in Shepparton.
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That decision sparked a lifelong passion, and now, alongside wife Michelle, they are celebrating one year in the store’s new location at Tenancy 1 A/115 Benalla Rd .
Barbeques Galore stood at 202 Corio St for more than 45 years, serving generations of locals.
Jason worked under the previous owner for 17 years before taking over the business in 2011.
While the original site offered great storage, the Bathman’s knew it was time for a fresh start.
“The building was getting tired, and our corporate image was outdated,” Jason said.
“We were hesitant at first, but the opportunity was too good to pass up and we’re so glad we made the move.”
With time and effort from Michelle and Jason, the store was relocated in July 2024 to a newer, more accessible retail hub.
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in foot traffic,” Michelle said.
“The ease of parking, visibility and the energy of the surrounding precinct all help, customers often come in after visiting nearby stores.”
Being closer to competitors has even helped attract new customers.
But what sets them apart, the Bathman’s say, is their service, product knowledge and community focus.
“We don’t just sell barbecues — we’re here to help people get the most out of them,” Jason said.
“From delivery and setup to rubs and recipe tips, we want every customer to feel supported.”
“When I started, it was all flat-top barbecues. Now every model has a hood, smoking has exploded, and people are cooking everything from roasts to pizzas outside,'” Jason said.
Technology has also transformed the barbecue game.
Today’s grills are smarter, connected to apps offering temperature control and thousands of recipes.
Smoking, too, has taken off, now taking up a quarter of the store’s floor space.
“I love my smoker, maybe more than the kids,” Jason joked.
“We’ve got seven barbecues at home, and they all get a workout at Christmas.”
As they continue building their reputation in the new space, one thing remains unchanged.
“We may look bigger, but we’re still the same local team.
Our mission is simple, bringing people together around the flame.”
Their store is located at Tenancy 1 A/115 Benalla Rd, Shepparton VIC 3630.
Traeger wood-fired griller is popular.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
From flat-tops to smart grills the barbecue evolution is huge. Owners Michelle and Jason Bathman show off some of their stock.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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