The secret’s in the name

The secret’s in the name

As they embark on their 90th year in business, there is no slowing down at McAtamney’s Traditional Butchers, as they marked the opening of their newest store in Limavady last year. As NR discovers, there is lots to celebrate for the well-known Northern Ireland butchery.

McAtamney’s currently has 14 stores across Northern Ireland, including the new express store at Hillcrest Eurospar, Portrush. You will also find their products in a large number of supermarkets/retailers across Northern Ireland, allowing their produce to be accessible seven days a week.

For many years, McAtamney’s has had two shops in Limavady and in 2022 the team were delighted when the opportunity to expand at a premises just a few doors down presented itself, allowing for the creation of their new look Main Street store.

EXPANSION

“This larger new store allows us to create a unique and modern space for our customers to shop, while also increasing our catering space for prep behind the scenes,” said Oran.

The store was officially opened in August 2022 at 61 Main Street by Oran, Mark and Declan McAtamney, alongside the team – to much excitement. On the day customers enjoyed browsing the new-look store while trying tasty samples, as well as goodie bags and giveaways.

“The store features our biggest ever butchers’ counter, allowing manager, Shane Doherty and the team to showcase their expert skills each day,  including our famous Butchers’ Specials and dry aged meats, alongside the full Gourmet Kitchen range.

“The new-look deli offers breakfast and lunch To Go six days a week, as well as freshly brewed coffee.”

‘One thing we will not falter on is our determination and guarantee to continue to provide locally sourced, great quality products for our customers’

All McAtamney’s stores carry the same range of locally sourced meats and products, such as their traditional customer favourites, dry aged steaks, Gourmet Kitchen dishes and sides, along with a range of local produce including Ballymaloe Relishes and sauces, Brioghter Gold Oils (Limavady based), local bread suppliers and most recently Belfast Coffee Co. to complement their own locally sourced offerings.

“As many of our customers know, Shane and the team at our Limavady store are very creative, you will find delicious specials on the counter each day that are perfect for indulging and creating a tasty meal at home with little to no prep,” said Oran.

AWARD-WINNING

Having been recently awarded Employer of the Future at the Causeway Coast and Glens People Award, McAtamney’s know their growing team is integral to their success each day. They currently employ over 150 members of staff across the business, from their team at head office, to expert butchers on their counters, as well as at their boning hall and chefs at the Gourmet Kitchen facility.

In late 2022, Oran was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mid Ulster Business Awards, something which has been described as a “testament to his hard work and dedication to the business, his staff and the butchery trade”.

“As a company we realise we have to continuously adapt as trends and consumer requirements change, however one thing we will not falter on is our determination and guarantee to continue to provide locally sourced, great quality products for our customers,” he said.

MARKING 90 YEARS

For 90 years the McAtamney family has worked together to continually develop and grow the business and with Oran’s guidance, his sons Mark and Declan aim to continue this, with exciting plans and developments in place for the future.

Those exciting plans include big celebrations to mark an incredible nine decades in business, with lots in the pipeline for this summer.

“We don’t want to reveal too much now, but a Golden Ticket might feature and we plan to celebrate with our team and customers throughout our stores,” added Oran.

 

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