• George Jeremic, Owner.
  • Enjoying company at the big table.

Hearty hot roast meals in the heart of Milford

Dine-in or take away.

Just how does someone from Montenegro, a country on the coast of the Balkans, end up owning a roast meal business in Milford?

George Jeremic came to New Zealand in 2014 with his wife Jana who had settled here with her family in 2001. George was born in Montengro and later studied management at university in Belgrade. From the tender age of 21, George and a business partner went into business running a pub in Belgrade before moving on to buying a café and later a fast food outlet. Specialising in pancakes and pizza, Serbian style burgers and kebabs, there was plenty of meat to become a cooking expert at.

After meeting Jana, who had returned to Belgrade, and having their first child, the pair decided to move to New Zealand where Jana’s family still lived. They had built up a successful business in the Waikato around The Carvery brand. George joined them in Hamilton, learning the business and the Kiwi style of ‘meat and vege’ roast dinners as they opened several outlets in the region. Delivering hearty meals with speed and convenience, the Otorohanga store was very busy with lines out the door every day. George and Jana soon opened in Tauranga before making the move to Auckland and adding a son to the family.

George always had his eye on Milford as a location and snapped up the site opposite New World, opening in January 2019 for his independent ‘Carvery’. This has to be one of the best positions in the village; in the main street, close to the pedestrian crossing, leafy trees and pretty lights at night to look out to.

People are now coming from as far as Birkdale to enjoy George’s range of quality New Zealand meats including succulent roast lamb, beef, chicken and rolled pork with its crispy crackling. Classic fresh roast vegetables and gravy join the menu along with his ‘secret herbs and spices’ Southern Fried Chicken. Those who prefer a gluten free meal can enjoy the roast chicken and potato mash and every appetite is catered for with small, medium or large sizes available, either to eat in or to take away.

The large table is ideal for a group or family to come together and now that George is opening on Sundays, the Sunday roast can be enjoyed by those who can’t, or can’t be bothered to, cook at home. There are regular groups who make the most of the good value plated meals and maybe a spot of dessert while they catch up with friends without having to do the dishes afterwards.

Lunches are great value with a small roast meal of pork, beef or chicken for just $9.90 or have it as a wrap with a soft drink and you’re good to go.

Big family dinners or work parties are easily catered for by The Carvery and George can even slice the meats for you if you prefer, and add in the roast vegetables. He can guide you on quantities and how to keep it all warm until you are ready to serve.

George has created a very warm and friendly space in the heart of Milford where you certainly feel like part of his family as he plays charming host serving up his good, hearty Kiwi roast meals.

Open Mon - Sun 11.30am - 8.30pm
Insta: TheCarveryMilford
194 Kitchener Road, Milford, 09 484 0043


Issue 108 April 2020