The corner shop has been a staple of most suburban Australian memories but not all have managed to stand the test of time. Bucking the trend and keeping the corner store dream alive for Armidale is Neville’s Store.
With its sky-blue walls and stand out signage, Neville’s Store has diversified from humble corner store, to community hub and takeaway extraordinaire.
Opening in 1975, Neville’s was originally known as the Brown Street Corner Store.
Purchased by at Neville and Robin Yates, the store quickly became a neighbourhood icon, setting in motion a nearly 50-year-old legacy that endures to this day.
The store’s current owner, Gary Bourke, has deep roots in Armidale and a longtime connection to the original owners.
“Growing up, I lived just two houses down from Neville’s Store,” said Mr Bourke.
“As soon as I was old enough, I’d walk up to grab a loaf of bread, carton of milk or a bag of chips so I’ve known Neville and his wife Robin all my life pretty much.”
Whilst Neville Yates no longer runs the store, he still owns the building and, with his name still proudly adorning the walls he will most definitely be joining in celebrating the store’s 50-year milestone in 2025.
It was fond nostalgia and a childhood bond to the store that ultimately led Mr Bourke, and his partner Lisa Dowdell, to take over the business five years ago.
Since taking ownership of Neville’s Bourke has brought new energy to the store, adding an extensive café menu, gelato shop and enough lollies to make any child’s (no matter how big or small) dreams come true!
“There’s not many places anymore that have the same sort of set-up that we do,” said Mr Bourke.
“Our menu’s pretty unique, we do over fifty burgers, not just your standard works burger, as well as freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes, all the classic corner shop fare – And the lolly bar, of course.”
One of the most talked-about items on the menu is the Big Nev Burger challenge, a towering feat of culinary indulgence that only about 1 in 10 brave souls manage to finish.
With a team of 16 dedicated staff, along with his two sons, Neville’s Store continues to thrive.
When asked if his sons have plans to take on the family business in the future, Bourke chuckled.
“Well, they’re three and six – The older one helps fill the fridges to earn a bit of pocket money, but the younger one would rather spend time taste-testing the lolly bar.”
The success of Neville’s Store also likely lies in its owner’s ability to continually adapt to changing times and customer demands.
Not one to be put off by a challenge, Mr Bourke and Ms Dowdell have already weathered some fire damage, renovations and of course COVID, but they take it all in their stride
“We just knuckle down and get it done,” said Mr Bourke.
Not one to rest on any laurels, Neville’s is now in the process of launching a home delivery service, bringing the store’s beloved treats straight to customers’ doors.
And it would seem the name Neville’s is quickly becoming recognizable further afield than Armidale.
“We get lots of locals and we love our locals – All the local tradies, uni students, people from the local schools and hospitals,” said Mr Bourke
“But people come from all over the place for a feed, stopping by on a road trip or even making the trip specially for our burgers,” Bourke says.
As Neville’s store approaches its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that this corner shop is more than just a place to grab a quick bite – it’s a cherished part of the community’s history and a testament to the enduring appeal of a true neighbourhood store.
Neville’s Store is located at 201 Brown Street in Armidale, NSW. For more information on Neville’s, their menu and their opening hours, visit their Facebook page.
Neville’s was voted by New England Times readers as the Best General Store in the New England 2024.
See the other winners and more details about this promotion.