Greek’s Meats has been a staple in Bridgewater since 1975, though its founders’ famous Lunenburg puddings and sausages have been around much longer.
Victor Greek, developed his own recipes starting in Lunenburg in 1930 when he started work at the age of 11.
Later he worked in a Deli in Halifax where he created traditional Lunenburg pudding and sausages that became well-known across the province.
And after running Greek’s Meats for 23 years, he passed those secrets down to his son Richard, who took over the deli in the 90s.
But now they’re being passed on to someone new.
Gary MacNeil, just bought the little deli, after approaching Richard with an offer, even though he wasn’t planning on selling.
MacNeil moved back to Bridgewater after working in Alberta for years.
He wanted to work for himself and approached Richard, to ask if he would sell the business.
Richard wasn’t planning on retiring but when MacNeil told him he would keep the staff and name, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Keeping the traditions and the secret recipes alive was important to Richard.
“I knew Gary would do a good job, I knew he would keep it going and keep the tradition going and that’s why I felt it was a good move at the time,” says Richard.
And Richard is helping MacNeil learn the tricks of the trade.
“It’s good to have him around, we have some good laughs,” says Greek.
“It’s like Colonel Sanders, I’m the new Colonel Sanders, I have the secret recipes,” he laughs.
MacNeil says it was important to him to keep the business thriving.
“It will be business as usual,” says MacNeil.”I will continue to do what Richard did and what his father did before him to keep this product going.”
Richard was just finishing up a career working for the then Nova Scotia Liquor Commission when he took over for his father.
Despite the fact that he’s almost 77, his love for the his customers, staff, and their products kept him behind the counter.
“I enjoy the customers but I enjoy the staff, they’re a great staff,” says Richard. “I like what I do because I feel good about what we sell and how we service people.”
When asked if he’d keep making sausage at home, Richard said no – he’s confident MacNeil will make them just as well and will buy them from him.
“He’s going to be the sausage boy from now on,” laughs Richard. “I think we’ve made a good move here, I think Gary’s going to run it in the traditional way.”
He says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children.
