Member Article

The Fat Butcher looks to raise the steaks with national rollout

After opening six shops across the North East in the past 18 months, meat retailer The Fat Butcher has set its eye on national expansion.

Boasting a portfolio of sites in Tynemouth, Blyth, West Auckland and Shiremoor, coupled with new launches in Sunderland and Birtley, the butcher has revealed it hopes to go the whole hog with openings planned in Southampton and Catterick Garrison.

Over 30 jobs have been created so far through the expansion of the brand, which says it fills the role of a ‘traditional butcher with traditional values’ in local communities. The retailer claims to offer customers the highest quality produce at prices it says supermarkets cannot compete with.

Dan Miller, director of The Fat Butcher, said: “We have recognized the need for the return of the ‘traditional butcher shop’ in local communities, we sell high quality meat at affordable prices.

“The superb reception we have received in each of our locations so far is testament to the fact that people want to buy their produce from somewhere they know and trust.

“Now that we are operating across the North East, we are ideally placed to push on with our national expansion plans, we are looking for strategic partners in new regions. The future is very exciting for The Fat Butcher.”

Real estate advisor Savills has been instructed to secure the new stores, with Newcastle law firm Sintons handling legal work.

Josh Howe, Associate in the Retail team at Savills, said: “Independent businesses such as butchers provide a much needed service for the local community and we are pleased to be supporting the growth of The Fat Butcher. We are seeking further space throughout the North East, Yorkshire and nationwide.”

Tom Wills, Associate in the Real Estate team at Sintons, said: “Since opening its first branch in Shiremoor, The Fat Butcher has quickly gone from strength to strength and now boasts six shops in its portfolio, with further expansion planned.

“We are actively seeking further opportunities for this very ambitious business, and the aim is to become a national name within the near future.”