History of Our Shop
Dowey’s have been serving the community in Lurgan since 1936. Now 3 generations of the family have continued the
skilled trade of Butchery. John R. Dowey senior established his original butcher shop in 1936 and created core
values by which we trade today — local produce for local people. Original family recipes were
developed and have now been passed down through generations to me, his grandson, Simon Dowey.
Many of these recipes have been revived and are still in use today.
John R. Dowey Junior, joined him
in the family business combining his love of farming with learning his trade at his father’s shoulder.
Formerly, in the early days, John Dowey Snr juggled management of two small shops but times were changing
and true to his "go ahead spirit" he amalgamated both of these shops by creating a purpose built new shop in
High Street in 1956.
There were very few shops in the High Street in those days unlike now and Doweys have moved on but are still
very much part of the High Street today!
By 1980 the "new shop" was beginning to become too small for the growing trade. It was not until 1989 that
another suitable property became available. It took almost a year in demolishing, reconstructing, renovating
and fitting out. This purpose built shop added a Delicatessen to the expanded Butchery business and
opened in September 1990.
The shop still remains at this site now and has grown gradually. Currently it is staffed by 7
full-time Butchers with an additional staff of full time Cooks and Delicatessen Sales Assistants.
In 2007, Simon Dowey joined the business after completing a degree in Information Technology. Continuing the family skills. It was
in the blood! John Dowey Jnr was very proud to have the next
generation step up to the plate. He encouraged Simon to expand the business further. Following in
father’s footsteps of winning competitions regularly we became Runners-up in the Retail Butcher’s
shop of the year. The staff have been brilliant and after even more determination we won the competition
the following Year. Other accolades have followed such as the Master Butcher Sausage and Burger Competitions.
Over time we have remained close to our core values of not compromising quality and supporting local farmers,
the range of products has increased to include many ready prepared meals and pre-packed products. We regularly
compare our prices and endeavour to offer our customers value for money.
In Winter 2008, we acquired the premises adjacent to the main shop and after extensive renovations we
opened our new Coffee Shop on the ground floor in May 2009. We aim to provide for our customers, both old and new
with an exciting new eating concept with three shops under one roof, owner driven and owner managed.
We hope to provide an emphasis on quality and value for money which isn’t found in chain stores.
We trust that our attention to detail in the renovation and the menu we have developed will appeal to
you and provide a great eating experience.
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