Barr’s Butchers Unveils Major New Store in Ballymena as the Family Marks 147 Years in Business
Barr’s Butchers, one of Ballymena’s oldest independent businesses, is proud to announce the opening of its impressive new store on Ballymoney Street today Tuesday 25 November. The expansion marks a significant moment for the fifth-generation family business, which has served the town since 1878, and represents a huge investment in the future of the business and Ballymena town centre.
Now led by Trevor Barr, great great grandson of founder George Barr, the business continues to blend traditional craft butchery with modern food innovation. The redevelopment gives Barr’s the space to grow its offer and enhance the customer experience while remaining firmly rooted in the values that have defined the business for 147 years.
Listening closely to what customers want has been a key driver behind the expansion. The new look store features a larger meat counter, an expanded deli offering, freshly prepared meals, salads and sides, vegetables and convenient ready to go options. This now includes a huge selection of unique artisan produce from home grown creators, with fresh breads, bakes, fruit, condiments and speciality items available throughout the store. The butcher’s counter continues to offer the traditional craft, expertise and personal service Barr’s is known for, with skilled butchers on hand to prepare and advise on the very best cuts, including beef hanging and aging in the onsite hanging fridge. The much-loved butcher is now positioned as a one stop shop for high quality fresh produce and added extras to elevate your meals.
This investment also supports additional local jobs and strengthens Ballymoney Street as a destination for high quality local food.
Trevor Barr, Managing Director, said:
“This is a very proud moment for our family. For 147 years we’ve been part of Ballymena, and this new store represents the next step in our journey. We’ve taken everything people love about Barr’s, the quality, the service, the tradition, and created a space that allows us to offer even more. Our goal is simple, to keep evolving while staying true to our roots. We are incredibly grateful for the support from our customers and the wider community, and we’re excited to welcome everyone into the new store.”
Throughout its growth, Barr’s has maintained its commitment to quality, sourcing and in house production. The family continues to operate its own dedicated production facility, where soups, stews, pies, ready meals and other prepared foods are made with the same care and skill that have shaped the business for generations.
As the store opens its doors this week, the Barr’s team is excited to welcome customers into the new space and share everything they have been working on. Barr’s Butchers remains focused on what has always mattered most, serving the people of Ballymena and beyond with honesty, expertise and pride.
