Causeway Chamber of Commerce visited McAtamney’s Butchers in Garvagh a few weeks ago to learn more about the business and Oran McAtamney’s story.

The family business that began in 1933 when the first shop opened in Kilrea, marked a standout moment of celebration this year as the company’s legacy reached new recognition. What started with one small butcher’s shop built on skill, honesty, and community service has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s most respected food businesses and this heritage shone brightly when Oran McAtamney received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards.

For Oran, the award came as an unexpected but deeply meaningful honour. After decades guiding and growing the business, he expressed that the recognition reminded him just how far the company has come from his grandfather’s modest counter to a regional brand with a loyal customer base and a strong presence across the North Coast. The moment reflected years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance, but also the deep affection customers and peers hold for the McAtamney name.

The evening held another highlight as McAtamney’s took home a Great Taste Award. While many have moved to quicker, more commercial methods, McAtamney’s continues to mature beef on the bone for 30 days, preserving the traditional craft that has defined them for over ninety years. Their sausages are still mixed and piped in-house, and their much-loved burger recipe remains unchanged since the earliest days of the business. A small but powerful reminder that some things truly stand the test of time.

What many people don’t immediately realise is just how far-reaching McAtamney’s has become. Behind the familiar high-street shops lies a business that now supplies restaurants across Northern Ireland, meaning customers may already be enjoying McAtamney’s produce in places they least expect. The company has grown to thirteen stores, The Gourmet Kitchen and Boning Hall which are all supported by a dedicated team that includes staff who have been with the business for three decades or more. The Gourmet Kitchen freshly prepares every delicious, pre-cooked meal.

Community remains at the core of everything McAtamney’s does. The business quietly supports a range of local causes, from providing food for homeless organisations and at Christmas, donating hampers to local schools and working closely with nearby producers and bakers. These efforts are part of a long-standing belief that a business thrives when its community thrives.

This same spirit underpins their involvement with the Causeway Chamber. McAtamney’s joined the Chamber to build meaningful connections, share knowledge, and contribute to collective progress. They see membership not just as a badge, but as an opportunity a chance to collaborate with fellow businesses, exchange ideas, and help shape a stronger, more resilient local economy. For existing and prospective members alike, their experience demonstrates the value of being surrounded by a supportive network of peers.

Looking to the future, the company is preparing for further growth, with plans for refurbishing long-standing shops and exploring new locations as customer habits evolve. McAtamney’s uniqueness is based on the belief that a long-standing family business can still be a modern success story.

From a single shop in Kilrea to a trusted regional brand, McAtamney’s continues to honour its heritage while embracing the future celebrating its people, its community, and its place at the heart of local life.

Further details and store locations: McAtamney’s – Traditional Butchers