The multi award-winning, fifth generation butchers, James Whelan Butchers, has chosen Limerick for the location of it’s 10th shop in Ireland, creating up to 20 new jobs in the region. The family-run butchers’ newest shop is part of the soon to be unveiled new Dunnes Stores state of the art Food Hall in the Jetland Shopping Centre, as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the shopping centre. This new Food Hall will see some of Ireland’s leading artisan food brands coming together under one roof and will offer Limerick food lovers a world class retail experience on par with best international standards.

In 2016, James Whelan Butchers launched its collaboration with Ireland’s leading retailer Dunnes Stores, another family business with immense heritage and a strong sense of pride in delivering quality products and great value to its customers for generations. This collaboration has led to the opening of James Whelan Butcher shops around Ireland – Cornelscourt and Rathmines in 2016, Swords in 2017, Blanchardstown and Cork in 2018. This month a new shop will open in Naas town centre, followed by the Limerick shop in September.

Visitors to the Avoca Stores in Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue will be aware of this award-winning butcher as both shops feature James Whelan Butcher shops on site and many food lovers will also be aware of the original founding butchers shop in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. James Whelan Butchers was also the first Irish butchers to open an online shop, back in the early 2000’s.

James Whelan Butchers was founded in the 1960’s by husband and wife team, James and Joan Whelan who are fifth generation butchers and farmers. The current CEO Pat Whelan, James and Joan’s son, has been at the realm since 1999 and has developed the brand nationally and internationally, creating award-winning artisan products, which appear on the shelves of some of the leading international retailers, including Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Whole Foods.

Currently employing nearly 150 people, James Whelan Butchers is now recruiting for a wide range of positions – from those interested in beginning a career in butchery right through to experienced butchers, for their new shop in Limerick. Speaking on the jobs announcement, Pat Whelan commented ‘James Whelan Butchers is a company that celebrates talent. We continually work with our people to ensure they reach their full potential and offer continuous professional development. Working as part of our team isn’t simply a job, but a gateway to a rewarding and fulfilling career, where hard work is rewarded and ambition is nurtured. We are looking for people who are passionate about great food and people who will invest as much in us, as we will in them.’

Heading up the Limerick team will be well known Limerick Master Butcher Stephen Cooke, who previously was a senior member of the team at one of Limerick’s leading butchers, Garrett’s Butchers.

Stephen said ‘’I’m thrilled to be joining James Whelan Butchers at such an exciting time for the organisation and I’m looking forward to putting a great team together here in Limerick. For our Limerick team, all we ask is for people to bring with them this passion for great food, great customer service and a willingness to be taught by some of the leading lights in the industry. It would be so great to have the opportunity of training some Limerick locals to become the next great Master Butchers as well as working with qualified butchers who may be looking to join us and be part of our exciting future in Limerick.’

Dunnes Stores Jetland Manager, John Kennedy, is looking forward to introducing his customers to the award winning artisan butcher. ‘It’s a very exciting time for Dunnes Stores Jetland with the introduction of the new state of the art Food Hall, together with all of the redevelopment that is now underway. Already anticipation is building with customers as well as the team here. We know that the James Whelan Butcher shop will be such a great addition to our food offering, together with all of the other leading artisan food producers who will be calling Limerick home in the very near future.’

To find out more about how you can join the team at James Whelan Butchers email careers@jwb.ie or visit www.jameswhelanbutchers.com.