Daveta Meats, in the Wakari shops on Helensburgh Rd, opened about a fortnight ago and the reception had so far "definitely exceeded our expectations", owner Paula Suguturaga said.
The Wakari community had purchased all of their stock and forced them to close for another week while they restocked, he said.
Originally from Fiji, Mr Suguturaga said he had purposely introduced styles of cuts from the island that were "totally different" to what you could find at your usual New Zealand supermarket.
The shop offered Fiji-style lamb neck cuts, barbecue and shoulder chops, along with root crops, pig heads and curry pieces — slow-cooked meat that was cut into cube-sized pieces that were very popular among the Pasifika community in Dunedin, he said.
Mr Suguturaga believed his stock was popular because it was uncommon in New Zealand, contained more meat and was reasonably priced.
"Those kind of cuts that you would normally not find in your normal grocery store or your butcher shop, you will find it in my shop."
He received the carcasses from the freezing works, which he prepared and cut on-site before packaging.
Mr Suguturaga said he decided to open the store after working with the Pasifika community in Otago, so he could provide the cuts they wanted but which other vendors did not have.
"And it’s been proven successful because it’s all sold out now. I’m still waiting for stock to come in, so I can sell some more."
Mr Suguturaga said a nearby premises had housed a butchery about 20 years ago, and most of his customers had expressed their excitement that a butcher had returned, he said.
"I’m too shy to tell them that I’m not actually a butcher shop.
"I’ve been getting an overwhelming response from the community ... they’re so happy that there’s a butcher shop on the corner — all they need is a cafe."
