June 2, 2020
Shop stories: Explore Trialto Meats in Elsternwick Village
For the past 28 years, customers from near and far have flocked to Trialto Meats in Elsternwick Village for its quality range of meats and poultry.
Trialto Meats owners Frank Del Balso and Nino Perna offer a truly continental-style butcher and delicatessen experience with their team of highly trained staff.
The team prides itself on not only offering a premium range of products, but also educating their customers about how to get the most out of their meats and poultry.
“There’s more to a butcher’s shop than meat,” Mr Del Balso said.
“We help our customers with cooking advice and tell them what’s best for whatever they want to make. We can show them cuts that they probably never knew they could use for certain dishes.”
A wide-ranging menu
The store is well known for its veal, but it also offers pork, poultry, beef, lamb, and more, as well as a selection of gourmet-prepared meats.
“We have marinated meats that are ready to cook in the oven or on the barbeque, as well as a wide selection of sausages, with about 14 different flavours that we make,” Mr Del Balso said.
“We age all of our beef and steaks, and we offer dry aging on request.”
Trialto Meats even specialise in salami sausages that are air-dried in the winter months, as well as meats prepared for the spit.
Beyond meat and poultry, the delicatessen offers ready-made sauces, gravies, condiments, and more.
Adapting to the times
Like all businesses in the area, Trialto Meats has had to adapt during COVID-19 to provide a safe space for customers and staff.
The store temporarily closed so the team could give it a deep clean, but they have resumed trading throughout the pandemic.
Mr Del Balso said they had seen an uptick in their home delivery service, especially from older customers.
“We’ve also noticed a big change in the way people shop – they’re supporting small businesses more,” he said.
“There are a lot of people who would have only shopped at the supermarket that are now shopping at smaller stores.”
The rise in shoppers supporting local businesses comes at a critical time, with many small businesses in need of community support to make it through the pandemic.
Customers for life
After so many years in business, Mr Del Balso and the team know many of their customers on a first name basis.
“We’ve got a great customer base and I’ve watched two generations of customers come through over the years,” he said.
He said they have customers who he has known since they were kids that still come back to the store.
So, what’s the secret sauce to their success?
“As long as you look after your customers and keep serving them quality products, they’re a happy bunch of people,” he said.
