For two full generations, the Dueck family has been providing the residents of Crescentwood with the highest quality of meat and poultry products.

Located at Wilton Street and Lorette Avenue just north of Grant, Denny’s Meat Market has been a fixture of the community. While many other businesses have come and gone, Denny’s has stood the test of time by providing quality product and excellent customer service.

"We know when our customers are having a birthday celebration, graduation, wedding — you name it — because they come to us for all the fixings," said founding owner Dennis Dueck.

Opened in 1972 by Dennis after taking over the Tom•Boy Foods which once stood at the same location, he used his people and butcher skills to create something special.

"I got into this business because I needed a part-time summer job and my uncle who was a butcher was hiring. A few years later when the opportunity to purchase Tom•Boy came up, I took the chance and went into business for myself," Dennis said. "To be around after all these years is amazing."

Denny’s Meat Market has branded itself as a place "Where the neighbourhood meets" and that is so true. Generations of families have been visiting this local butcher shop for years. It has become a neighbourhood institution and no gathering is complete without a trip to Denny’s.

"My greatest reward has been getting to know our customers over the years. I love watching them come back time and time again. It is a great compliment when not only they shop here but their kids also come," Dennis said.

Giving back to the community that they do business in is a huge part of Denny’s philosophy.

"By supporting local charities, church groups and camps we are able to help other groups reach their fundraising goals. In turn they support us. It is a win-win for everyone," Dennis enthused.

In 1994 it was  time to train the next generation of Duecks and son Mark and daughter Tracy started working side-by-side with their dad. They quickly learned that good customer service and providing great quality product are just two keys to success.

"What we really learned from our dad was that building relationships is what made us stand out and what kept our customers coming back," Mark said.

"My dad taught me a lot about owning a business — you need to have a good work ethic, always be fair when working with suppliers and family comes first. Our family just happens to also extend to our customers and the community.

"We know our regular customers personally, well beyond what their favourite cut of meat is. We know what their kids names are, where they travel, and what they do for a living and so much more."

Dennis said it has been gratifying to witness the growth of the community first-hand.  

"Watching the neighbourhood grow and change has been exciting to witness," he said. "I love living and serving Crescentwood. It has a warm, small town feel, nestled in a large city. And after 40 years, clearly we are doing something right."

Dennis noted that "Helping others has been just as rewarding as being in business for so long.
"Whenever we are able to help out a group, we are always there."

Carolyne Braid is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. You can reach her at carolyne@polefitcanada.ca.