First time owner operators warmly welcomed in Franz Josef

First time owner operators Josh and Kirsty Flavell are excited to take up the reins of Four Square Franz Josef. The couple, who first met when they were working at New World Hokitika as teenagers, became the proud owner operators of the Four Square in February and are excited to become a part of this close-knit community. “It’s a dream come true for us and we’re ready to give this our all. Everyone has been so welcoming, we’re so happy to be here and to be a part of this amazing community,” says Josh. Kirsty was born and bred in Hokitika and Josh moved to the town with his family when he was 14. Josh got a job as a butchery apprentice at New World Hokitika, where he met Kirsty, who was working as a check out operator. After qualifying as a butcher through New World, Josh’s career in butchery continued to thrive under the guidance of his mentor Brian West at New World Hokitika. Josh has also been a national finalist three times in the Anzco Foods young Butcher of the Year competition, and a bit of a Foodies star, having appeared in two New World commercials. Most recently, Josh and Kirsty were based in Hanmer Springs where Josh had the opportunity to graft some valuable experience as store manager of the Four Square, learning the ropes from experienced owner operators John Dawber and Annie Truman, while Kirsty took on the role of full-time mum. After four years, the couple were eager to get back to life on the coast. Through their connections with recently retired and proud long-time owner operators of Four Square Franz Josef, Cushla Jones and Chris Roy, they jumped at the chance to take the reins when the opportunity came up. “When you grow up on the coast as a kid, you realise how lucky you are to have a great community – and we’ve found that here in Franz Josef,” Kirsty says. “Everyone has been amazing and so welcoming, right from the school gate to the supermarket, to long lost relatives coming up to me, telling me they’re related to me. It’s been really cool.” Josh and Kirsty are already making inroads and giving back to the community. Kirsty has instigated lunch orders for all the pupils attending Franz Josef Glacier School, a first for the school, where Four Square Franz Josef donates $1 to the school for every lunch order placed. Taking care of the environment and reducing waste at the store and in the local community is a top priority for Josh and Kirsty and they’re looking forward to working closely with the local Department of Conservation to help conserve the picturesque surrounds of Franz Josef. The couple are thankful to all the owner operators who have taken them under their wing, and guided and supported them throughout their careers to get them to where they are today: the late Robyn Lee, and Gary Lee at New World Hokitika, Justin and Melissa Blackler at New World Ravenswood, Victoria Boyes and Leon Anderson at New World Greymouth, and John Dawber and Annie Truman at Four Square Hanmer Springs, as well as many others who have generously given their time and resources to get them where they are today. “We’re really grateful for all the support, the conversations, and mentoring we’ve had over the years because we wouldn’t have got here without them,” Josh says.About Foodstuffs South Island (FSSI) Foodstuffs South Island is a 100% New Zealand owned co-operative, with 230 owner operated stores in communities across Te Waipounamu operating under the Four Square, New World, On the Spot, PAK’nSAVE, Raeward Fresh and Trents brands. With 12,000 Foodies across the South Island, we play a big role in Kiwis' lives. Our purpose is to feed the South Island and create successful communities and we aspire to be the South Island’s most loved and trusted retailer, positively impacting our customers’ lives every day.

New owner operators of Four Square Franz Josef, Kirsty and Josh Flavell, left, with their children and outgoing owner operators Chris Roy and Cushla Jones.