The butcher is back in Barrington. The “Barrington Butchery” will be opening on April 3 at the site of the former Persimmons Provision. The store will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The only butcher in the East Bay, Barrington Butchery will provide quality meats and specialty items to East Bay residents and fellow Rhode Islanders. With a focus on local customers, New England-based products and a store that feels like home, Barrington Butchery is a family-run business with a great story.

Co-founder Michael McKeever is a highly-skilled butcher with meat cutting in his background. Mike grew up in his family-owned IGA in the Greenwood section of Warwick, McKeever’s Market, where he learned the trade from a professional butcher at the store. After the family store was sold, Mike went into retail meat cutting at a large supermarket chain. Mike is passionate about providing the best quality meats to his customers. It has been his dream to have a butcher shop of his own.

“I am very enthusiastic about this business, and it will be a tribute to my Dad, who passed away unexpectedly a few years ago,” said McKeever.

The dream lives on for Mike’s partner too, his father in-law, Lawrence Russolino. Lawrence or “Larry” is a graduate of the first culinary class at Johnson & Wales University. Larry loves food; preparing food, eating food, and talking about food. When customers stop in to the Barrington Butchery, they can ask Larry about preparations for any of the quality products on sale - chickens, pork, beef, artisan cheeses, and specialty items. Along with Larry’s culinary expertise, he brings knowledge of providing the most cost-effective products and the best ingredients to achieve customer satisfaction.

“I am excited about meeting our customers and getting to know them, and about what we can provide for them,” added Russolino. Mike, Larry and the staff at Barrington Butchery are looking forward to the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting April 7. For more information, contact Camilla Farrell, 580-0499 or camilla.m.farrell@gmail.com.