Kyle Deloof wanted to open a second Davy Jones’ butcher shop for years and it’s finally happening this week.
Deloof, 36, began working at the original Confederation Street store when he was 16 and says butchering became a passion.
He bought the business six years ago and entered into serious discussion with the owners of Bayside Centre to open a second Davy Jones downtown.
But the mall’s ownership and plans changed and that option is off the table, said Deloof.
The building he’s leasing at 519 Helena St. needed extensive renovations and a 650-foot expansion that required multiple permits. That took longer than anticipated, but the new meat shop is finally ready and customers will like the open concept, Deloof said.
“I talked about coming to Point Edward for a long time,” he said. “It’s a nice, small community and the market is here.”
The new Davy Jones’ meat shop has a fruit and vegetable market nearby, as well as a bakery.
“So there is no need for a full grocery and I can focus on what I know best,” he said.
The shop’s open concept allows customers to see their meat being prepared and packaged, something Deloof believes is a selling point.
“I want customers to know we’re not hiding anything and we’re here if they have any questions,” he said. “Our customers like to bring in recipes and ask for cuts they haven’t tried before.
“A lot of them tell us they learn something new every time they come in.”
Fresh meats are primarily sourced in Ontario, and packaged products such as smoked chops, peameal bacon, precooked sausages and hotdogs come from Schinkel’s in Chatham.
“Once in a while, I’ll bring in some crocodile or frogs legs,” Deloof said. “But mostly we’ll offer the same product from Confed.
The renovations included a new walk-in freezer, a walk-in fridge, an office, breakroom, washrooms and a new roof. A supporting wall was removed to accommodate the open concept and that necessitated new roof trusses, explained Deloof.
The new shop has created four new positions, and four more are needed —two part-time and two full-time.
“The main thing I want is customer service to remain the same, so I do a lot of training with new staff,” said Deloof. Butchering experience isn’t necessary to apply but a good attitude and strong rapport with the public is needed.
Davy Jones’ Quality Meats at 519 Helena St. in Point Edward is open Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.