Town Talk | Punter ventures

I write this as an introduction to my chat with Mat and Min Innes-Irons.

Where it all started

Many of you, indeed most of you, remember Daiquiris, situated on the south side of High St (and conveniently close to the News office at that time). It truly was a restaurant like no other. Mat and Min bought the business in September 1987 and sold it in 1990, and, in the meantime, we all enjoyed it — including the proprietors, who were learning every day.

Min tells the following story:

“We hosted a Melbourne Cup breakfast that was booked out — our mum, Judy, was part of our team and was keen to see her two boys do well in their new venture.

“Mum was at the deli counter taking breakfast orders. Our customers were in party mode, some with the day off and others on a tight time frame as they had to get to work. Our kitchen team saw and heard the hordes as they kicked off the day with merriment.

“However, the head chef was perplexed — there were no meal orders. He went out to see what the problem was. Mum turned around and said, ‘I was wondering when you were coming. Here you go.’ There were enough order dockets to start a short story. All ended well, but a lesson in clear communication was learnt.”

Mat and Min’s Christmas card became well known — so very polite until you opened it. Inside, there was ‘Merry’ written on one bare backside and ‘Xmas’ on the other. This continued until one recipient suggested it was time to give it away: “Your bums are getting saggy!”

During Daiquiri’s days, they wrote a weekly cocktail column for this newspaper – profiling a local identity and portraying him or her in an amusing way. The black and white photo features Dave Faram, who, Mat tells me, is still a passionate baritone. You know, one of the many things that impressed me about Daiquiris was that the proprietors never forgot a name. You always felt welcome, like a valued customer.

It’s a small thing but so very important. In 1989, when Tawrrific won the Melbourne Cup, Ed McKeon brought the trophy home — to Daiquiris — to fill with champagne and share it around. The same year, Mat and Min took their staff on a party trip. They stopped for a meal and drinks at the Tatong Tavern.

Here, they saw a great deal of potential — and they bought their first hotel. Until Daiquiris was sold the following year, they ran both establishments simultaneously. The Tatong experience was a good one; Mat mentioned that in two years — 1989 to 1991 —there were only two Saturday nights that were not booked out.

And Sunday wasn’t far behind. The sale of the restaurant meant they could not open a competing business in Shepp. Thanks for the memories.

However, the Aussie was calling, and they bought it in early 1992 and began renovations. It took almost five months to achieve what they wanted — “to bring the old girl back to life”. The hotel was reopened on July 2 of that year, bringing in all their Daiquiris customers — and many more.

And, once again, Shepp had an entertainment venue like no other. Musicians have told me that Mat and Min’s 10 years at the Aussie remain, to them, “the good old days”. After the gig, there were always pizzas, a drink and a chat. And all the bands wanted to play where the crowds were.

Mat mentioned Carols by Barrels, which they turned into a street party. He said it was always a happy occasion when ex-Sheppartonians returned home, and he noticed happy reunions and lots of hugs among the crowd. The Christmas spirit was alive and well; it was a nice place to be. Early one Friday night, before the security guards began work, a fella who was over-filled with enjoyment meandered across Maude St to the pub’s side door.

They headed him off at the door, explaining that they couldn’t let him in — but he was welcome to come back the following night. He then headed to the corner door, where, for the second time, they stopped him from entering. They watched the persistent reveller carefully as he went to the saloon bar door.

Here, he was stopped for the third time. As they turned him away, he responded, “Do you blokes own every pub in this town?” (They assure me this story is true.) A successful business brings exhilaration and excitement. It was fun for them — and us.

But a decade is a long time. Min says they were far from exhausted; in fact, they weren’t tired at all, simply ready for something new. They sold Hotel Australia in September 2002, after which they took separate paths. Mat bought Friar’s Café, and Min, with his wife, Jill, became the proprietors of Bohjass. Both restaurants became new haunts for fans of the Innes-Irons brothers — where they still remembered everyone’s names.

Around this time, I had Melbourne visitors for whom I had difficulty catering — one was a vegetarian and the other a vegan. So, after stumbling through a couple of meals, we decided to take them out to dinner — but where? This was before eating habits changed quite dramatically, before I became well-practised in this particular field, and before our local restaurants offered plenty of choice.

We went to Bohjass, where I felt comfortable that their needs would be met. Our vegetarian visitor was no real problem. However, the chef created two courses for our vegan friend. I remember being very grateful for the courtesy offered. Our friends both said they had never eaten better. They were, they said, “blown away” by the food.

Mat found Friar’s much more peaceful than the hotel and stayed nine years before taking a job with Greater Shepparton City Council. He was well suited to working with business people, most of whom he knew, and was a helpful link between them and Shepparton Show Me.

Min and Jill sold Bohjass in 2008 and opened In Hospitality, originally on Benalla Rd. They relocated to Archer St and then to much larger premises in Stewart St — where they remain today. Their wholesale business meets the needs of hoteliers and restaurants in Shepparton and beyond.

However, their store is also open to the public, and if you have yet to visit, pre-Christmas would be a great time. You can top up on anything in short supply and might also find a gift or two. By the way, when I called Min, whom I hadn’t seen for quite a few years, I introduced myself. He said, “Yes, I remember you.”

Mat, as many of you are aware, opened The Milkbar in 2020. I asked about the lockdowns, as I always do when speaking to local businesspeople. Mat told me that while they were “closed”, they managed to sell 650 coffees per day at the takeaway window. I double-checked: “That’s 4500 coffees a week!” He said, “Yes, plus some food.” Sometimes, it is difficult to get a table in The Milkbar; however, with nice weather approaching, there is an extensive seating area in the back garden.

If anything I’ve written has reminded you of a particularly happy experience, we would all love to hear about it. For me, looking back, I find it difficult to imagine our city without these guys. Over almost 40 years, their contribution to us and our lifestyles has been simply enormous. It continues today, and this little story is, in essence, a ‘thank you’ from me — and on behalf of those of you with great memories.

A deb with a difference

Next week, I’ll share a story about a special debutante who debuted in her early 40s. I apologise for delaying this; however, Mat and Min’s stories seemed appropriate for Melbourne Cup Day.

Stay well, have fun — and may it be easy, my friends.

Marnie.

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)