The owner of a popular north Belfast bakery said it was an ‘emotional day’ after almost 30 years of serving the local community.
McKeown’s Bakery first opened in west Belfast before relocating to Alliance Avenue in Ardoyne in 2004.
Owner and baker Terry McKeown, whose shopkeeper Frankie was shot and fatally wounded by the British Army in 1972 aged just 43, said his desire to be a business owner was with him from a young age.
Speaking to the Irish News the 60-year-old said: “My father had three businesses when I was growing up, confectionary shops. He was murdered by the British Army when I was a kid and I suppose I got it in my head that I wanted my own business just like him.
“I opened my first bakery at Trench Park in 1998 but after five years the landlord had other plans and we had to move on.
“My brother had a grocery shop on Alliance Avenue and the shop next door was idle. I was looking at the bread he was selling and thought it would be a good location for our bakery.”
Over the years Terry and his business have become a staple in the community. However, things could have been different for Terry who said he ‘fell into baking’ which soon became a passion.
“My uncle was working in McErlean’s Bakery and I would have played outside there when he was on shift. I was 16 when they offered me an apprenticeship and I ended up there for 13 years. I just fell into it, which is even stranger when you hear I was training in joinery before, but I’ve never looked back.”
Terry then moved to Kennedy’s Bakery on Stockman’s Lane which eventually led to him opening his first bakery at Trench Park.
“Over the last few years, my wife and I have been thinking it’s time to move on. Our children helped out but there wasn’t much interest in taking over. The thing is when you’re a business owner you rarely get holidays or time off. I’ve had the last two weeks off and I’m at a loss with what to do with myself,” he joked.
“It was an emotional day when we closed the community serviced me well. People have been telling us they will miss us but the new owner plans to keep it as a bakery with their own mark so I’m sure she’ll keep them in Belfast baps and sausage rolls.
“As I step away I hope our customers will continue to support the new owners and help them achieve the same success we have enjoyed.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Ardoyne and the wider community for their unwavering support throughout the years. Without their help, we would not have had a successful bakery for more than 20 years. They have all played a significant role in our journey.”