Our Story
In 2015, after a 16 year hiatus from the butcher business, Glenn with his partner Maria opened Char Char Char Butchers in Parkdale wanting to do things differently. His vision was to revive traditional artisan butchering, support Australian farmers providing the world’s finest meats whilst taking a step back in time delivering good old fashion customer service – elements almost lost with supermarkets dominating the market.
Glenn’s love of low and slow BBQ started some 20 years ago when he purchased a kamado style BBQ and began cooking up amazing meals for the family. He did not know it at the time, but he’d stumbled onto what we now know as “low and slow” BBQ.
When Chris Marks, American Pitmaster (8-time American Royal Grand Champion) and founder of Three Little Pigs rubs and sauces had Glenn prepare a perfect Boston Butt for one of Mark’s world-renowned BBQ classes, the Char Char Char “low and slow” BBQ journey went into overdrive. Char Char Char’s reputation grew and Melbourne’s passionate barbequers and pitmasters from Australia and around the world frequented the store.
Glenn & Maria as they featured in a Melbourne Age article featuring Melbourne’s top butchers
Glenn’s First Appearance at Meat Stock Melbourne 2019 running pork ribs demo.
Pitmaster Tuffy Stone with Glenn at Char Char Char circa 2020
TLAA’s First Pitmaster Master Class: Sterling Smith preparing a brisket whilst Danial Barret made a guest appearance
Glenn’s likable demeanour and passion for good quality food has seen him develop friendships with some of BBQ’s best – local pitmaster sensation Daniel Barret (who for a short period worked with Glenn to sharpen up his butchering skills) and American pitmasters like Tuffy Stone, Mo Cason, Wayne Mueller, Sterling Smith and Mike Johnston. On accepting an invitation in 2019 to present a ribs demo at Melbourne’s first ever Meat Stock, Glenn’s association with this event kicked off with trips to Meat Stock Sydney, Auckland and onto judging the Butchers Wars at the Churrascada International Barbecue Festival in Brazil. As he proudly puts it, “Meat Stock has been the spark in the flame that has catapulted BBQ in Australia.”
Danial Barret whilst working with Glenn suggested that Char Char Char start selling BBQ rubs, sauces and fuels, as their popularity grew so did the range and shelf space quickly ran short with so much more to offer customers. Hence, Turn Left @ Albuquerque was conceived, a true one-stop-BBQ-shop designed to inspire, educate and provide everything you need to take your BBQ to the next level.
Opening in late 2022, Turn Left @ Albuquerque continues the Char Char Char BBQ meats journey presenting Char Char Char’s extensive range of specialist BBQ meats combined with the most comprehensive range of rubs, sauces, glazes, BBQ’s, fuels, accessories and all things BBQ. It’s truly unique and a haven for those passionate about BBQ. Glenn’s vision is to create a hive of BBQ activities and events that will educate, inspire and evolve BBQ in Australia which excitingly is only in its infancy. Watch this BBQ space.
Our Customers Love Us!
Australia's
Most comprehensive Range, Check out some of the brands we sell
