Drenth's Butcher Market and Deli is set to open on Wednesday at 436 West St. N.
After owning and operating the Bulk Barn in Orillia, Barrie, and Midland for more than two decades, Kevin and Melissa Drenth have decided to open a new business centred around Kevin's passion for smoking meat.
The new butcher market and deli shop will feature different cuts of meat and will be built on a foundation of "good service," Kevin says.
"It's going to be Melissa and I, our kids, and a couple of other employees," he said. "It's going to be a different experience, something small, and with hopefully better quality and prices."
With few butchers and deli shops in the area, Kevin says it’s difficult to find quality meat products locally.
"Everything is so streamlined at the grocery store," he said. "Butcher shops are rare. If you are into smoking and stuff like that, there are so many recipes you can do, but it's hard when you can't find the meat."
Since the Drenths announced they were opening a new shop, they've been inundated with messages from customers anxious for it to open.
"We've had countless people come to the door since our sign went up," Kevin said. "We are in a great spot right on the highway and the amount of traffic that goes by is unbelievable."
Kevin anticipates the new shop could serve hundreds of students from nearby Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School every weekday this fall.
"They need an affordable lunch," Kevin said. "Hopefully, we can give them a sandwich and a drink for $5 or $6."
Kevin says they will make around 100 sandwiches every morning in September, and they will be first come, first served.
"It will be something fresh and different," he said.
Drenth's is also carrying a wide variety of sauces and seasonings that will "never" be found in a grocery store.
"A lot of it is popular in the United States," Kevin said.
"A lot of the trends right now come from Instagram Reels and TikTok, that's where you find a lot of recipes for barbecuing, and smoking. That's where a lot of the products come from," Melissa added.
Drenth's also has a selection of Yoder Smokers for sale in the store.
"They are made in the States ... They are fairly new but are developing a huge following because they are made in North America," said Kevin.
The new butcher market and deli continues a family tradition for Kevin. His parents owned an Independent Grocer in Bracebridge for 20 years.
"We have a lot of customers from our past who are excited to support us," Melissa said. "It's really nice."
