Ardi’s Block to Grill: Tradition meets innovation

In the heart of Surry Hills, NSW, Ardi’s Block to Grill has been captivating locals since 2018. This unique butcher shop blends tradition with innovation, offering a fresh take on the culinary experience. We spoke with Ardi Edgu, the visionary behind this venture, to learn about his journey and how SilverChef helped make his dream a reality.

The hospitality dream

Ardi Edgu began his butcher's journey at just 11 years old in his family’s shop, the first halal butchery in Surry Hills. Over the years, he honed his skills and dreamed of creating a space where quality, sustainability, and innovation flourished.

When establishing Ardi’s Block to Grill, he reimagined the traditional butcher shop, adding tables for customers to enjoy gourmet burgers, hoagie rolls, and sandwiches. The display case, filled with premium cuts, showcases Ardi's exceptional skills, with each slice expertly crafted before your eyes.

"It's very close to my heart, this dream, and getting this business going. I struggled, struggled, struggled – but with SilverChef's help, I was able to get things off the ground.”

SilverChef’s hospitality equipment funding

Achieving this vision wasn't easy – creating a butcher shop and grill hybrid demanded a significant investment in equipment, from meat slicers to grills, and managing these significant expenses while balancing cash flow proved to be a huge challenge.

SilverChef’s Rent-Try-Buy solution was a lifeline for Ardi and his hospitality dream. It allowed him to bypass hefty upfront costs, easing financial pressure and offering him the freedom to pick the right equipment to help his unique business succeed from day one.

“With SilverChef’s help, you can absolutely do it. They helped me achieve my dream, that’s for sure.”

A new beginning

“When it opened the first day, I can't describe it. It kind of grounded me and made me realise this is my purpose. I can keep butchering till 80, 85,” Ardi reflects. The shop's success has led to a second location in Clovelly in 2024.

Ardi’s passion for delivering top-quality meat, an irresistible in-house dining menu, and a selection of home-cooked, ready-made meals has earned acclaim from loyal customers and industry insiders. “I've got a relationship with customers that's like being friends, and most of the time, I know what they want before they even order,” Ardi says with a smile.

As Ardi’s Block to Grill continues to thrive, Ardi remains committed to crafting unforgettable experiences for his patrons. His dedication to preserving butchery traditions while innovating continues to set his business apart. Ardi hasn’t simply built a thriving and much-loved business; he’s become a core part of a bustling local community that wouldn’t be the same without him.

Discover the full story of Ardi’s journey in creating Ardi’s Block to Grill in the video above. 

Interested in how SilverChef can help you achieve your hospitality dream? Find out more here, and get in touch today.