Barr’s Butchers unveils major new Ballymena store as family marks 147 years in business

Barr’s Butchers, one of Ballymena’s longest-established family businesses, has officially opened a major new store on Ballymoney Street, marking a significant milestone in its 147-year history.

The fifth-generation butchers, founded in 1878 by George Barr, unveiled the expanded premises on Tuesday 25 November, signalling a substantial investment both in the future of the business and in Ballymena town centre.

Now led by Managing Director Trevor Barr, great-great grandson of the founder, the business continues to blend traditional craft butchery with modern food innovation.

The new store has been designed to give the much-loved butcher additional space to grow its offering, improve customer experience and remain firmly anchored in the values that have defined Barr’s for nearly a century and a half.

Enhanced Counter, Expanded Deli and New Artisan Range

Listening to customer feedback was central to the redevelopment. The redesigned store features:

• A larger butchery counter

• An expanded deli

• Freshly prepared meals, salads and sides

• A wider selection of vegetables

• New ready-to-go options for convenience

Shoppers will also find an extensive range of artisan products from local producers, including fresh breads, bakes, fruit, condiments and speciality food items.

Despite the modernisation, the butcher’s counter remains at the heart of the business. Skilled butchers continue to offer personalised service and expert advice, with beef hanging and ageing in an on-site hanging fridge – a hallmark of Barr’s long-standing commitment to quality and craft.

The redevelopment is also expected to support additional local jobs and strengthen Ballymoney Street’s position as a hub for high-quality, locally sourced food.

‘A Very Proud Moment for Our Family’

Trevor Barr described the launch as a defining moment for the fifth-generation family business.

“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 expansion, Barr’s has maintained its commitment to integrity in sourcing and in-house production. The family continues to operate its own production facility, where soups, pies, stews, ready meals and other prepared foods are made with the same care and expertise that have shaped the business for generations.

With the new store now open, the Barr’s team says it is excited to welcome customers into the larger space and share the results of months of investment and planning.

Barr’s Butchers remains focused on the principles that have guided it since the 19th century: honesty, expertise and pride in serving the Ballymena community.