In January 1936, this site was purchased from a Mrs. Barron by Anargiros Aroney, with the intention of constructing a ground floor retail space and a first floor residence for himself and his new bride.

The property was an addition to Mr. Aroneyʼs real estate portfolio that already included the Niagara Milk Bar and McGarryʼs Hotel in Victoria Street. Mackay

The original building was designed by Architect Edwin R. Orchard of Cairns and constructed by the Queensland Building and Engineering Company of Nelson Street Mackay at a cost of £2,279 and additional Architect fees of £132.

Due to policy changes Mackay Council disallowed the use of the First Floor as a residential premise, and consequently both ground and first floor were tenanted – the ground floor by Queensland Batteries and upstairs by a Dentist, a milliner, and a dress maker. A garage at the rear of the building was occupied by real estate agent Mr. Cavello.

Over the years changing tenants have included:- Williamson Tailors, Evan Carne – Dentist, Mira Petrovic – Dental Mechanic, a Lingerie maker, Alec Dawson – Accountant, John Mirls & J V Kane – Surveyors, Peter Keogh – Dental Mechanic, George Novikov – Civil Engineer, Alan Murphy – Jeweller, Andru Dimitrios – Computer Systems Support, Clements Recruitment, Optus Networks and Maudie and Me – Toys Clothing and Homeware.

The name The Burp Dispensary was inspired by previous owner and longest continuous occupier of the building, pharmacist Peter Dimitrios and his wife Mary Dimitrios, daughter of Anargiros and Evangelia Aroney.

NE Food was looking for a new home after leasing and operating restaurants in various premises for some years. Graeme and Lyn Connors took a step outside of the music industry and purchased 86 Wood Street Mackay. Prior to the purchase, the building housed a hairdresser and a dress shop and huge renovations were required to provide the purpose built space for the NE Food team that became known as Burp.eat.drink.

A separate chapter began with the purchase of the Aroney building at 82-84 Wood St. by Damien and Adrian Connors, it was renamed THE DISPENSARY and renovated to its present condition by NE Food Café Pty Ltd.
The name THE DISPENSARY was inspired by previous owner and longest continuous occupier of the building, pharmacist Peter Dimitrios and his wife Mary Dimitrios, daughter of Anargiros and Evangelia Aroney.