It’s been 22 years since Merredith and Michael Jackson opened the doors of Wee Waa Hot Bread Shop, and this week they will walk out of them and into a new life.
The adventure began on October 1, 1992, in a small shop in Rose Street, Wee Waa, just across the road from the business’ current premises.
“We were both looking for something new to do and we had friends in Wee Waa, knew the area and decided that it was the place to be,” says Merredith.
At the time the opportunity arose to open the hospitality business Michael, a baker by trade, was living in Tamworth and Merredith was working with Wee Waa’s ANZ bank.
Once the married couple had hashed out all the final details, Merredith says getting the business off the ground was quite easy, but they hadn’t escaped challenges.
“It’s like anything really, it’s a bit of a challenge to get your head around,” she says, adding “but thank
goodness for different contacts in businesses”.
At the time Wee Waa Hot Bread Shop opened there was nothing like it operating in the town, although there had been previous bakeries years before.
Not just a place for customers to buy freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries, the shop has also offered a warm atmosphere where friends meet for coffee, lunch or even breakfast.
“We’ve enjoyed being in Wee Waa, we’ve certainly made a lot of great friends and had a lot of fun,” says Merredith.
“The business itself has been a challenge but we’ve managed to grow it over the years, starting from the small shop to be able to buy a bigger premises and renovate it and increase our business.
“It has been really good, there are lots of rewards in owning your own business”.
Starting out it was just Merredith and Michael on their own but
they managed to rally some family support.
“We had a lot of support from my family, from my sisters, my niece and my mother, they were our backup team,” explains Merredith.
“Once we got established we certainly had to source a good team to work with us”.
Merredith and Michael have recently purchased long establishedNarrabri business, Watson’s Kitchen, with their close friends Maxine and Grant Ambrose.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of going into a bigger and different business,” adds Michael.
Wee Waa Hot Bread Shop’s new owners, Carlie and Anthony Gray, who are living on the Central Coast and are moving to Wee Waa, will take over on Saturday.
Anthony grew up in Wee Waa.
Merredith and Michael thanked their customers and the Wee Waa community for supporting them and the business over the years.
“We’ve really enjoyed being a part of the community,” Merredith says.
“There is a sadness in us moving on but lots of great memories and lots of good times. Change is good so we hope everyone will embrace Anthony and Carlie and continue to support them as well.
“We wish them all the best in their new challenges of taking on a business and settling themselves in the town”.