Henderson Meats and Abattoir, located at 13200 Mackenzie Road, south of Chesterville provides the finest meats, all from local suppliers. You can now enjoy the farm to plate experience from the comfort of your own home by ordering online at www.hendersonsmeats.ca. Tinkess Photo
CHESTERVILLE – About a year ago our sister publication, The Eastern Ontario AgriNews had an article on Henderson Meats and Abattoir in Chesterville and some of the changes that the long- time establishment was undergoing. In many ways, you could say that Henderson Abattoir was going back to the future, and the new owners couldn’t be happier.
The business, which is located at 13200 Mackenzie Road, south of Chesterville had undergone a couple of changes in ownership. Tom Henderson, who founded the business in 1981 as a storefront operation, had decided to retire, and sold it to a group that included Ottawa Valley Meats, Hog Haven, and Gillette Farms in May of 2021.
When we wrote about it in the fall of 2022, it had recently been purchased outright by Gillette Farms Inc. (the Patenaude family). Éric Patenaude of Gillette Farms was happy to take advantage of the opportunity. He explained that there were originally three partners when the establishment was purchased from Mr. Henderson, but when one of them left to pursue other interests, Patenaude bought the other out, taking control of the operation.
“We decided to move ahead without partners as we had a clear vision of how we wanted to operate and continue the business, which was to remain local,” said Patenaude. “Our other partners were more ambitious and decided to follow other ventures.”
The Gillette farms ownership team now consists of four senior partners, Marc, Louis, Vincent, and Mathieu Patenaude, and four junior partners, cousins, Eric, Amelia, Paul and Rachel.
Gillette Farms’ main interest was always in keeping things local and recently they made things even easier to shop with them by introducing their new website at www.hendersonmeats.ca. Now you can order online, and free delivery is possible as well (contact them for details.)
The easy to navigate website not only displays the fine selection of high-quality local meats offered, but it also outlines the history of Henderson Meats and Abattoir as well as Gillette farms, the current owners. There is still a Henderson or two around though: Tom’s son Jim Henderson is their head butcher/general manager. As well, they can proudly say they are now on their 3rd generation operating the plant with grandson Rylee being heavily involved in the day-to-day operations.
Under the ownership of Gillette Farms, Henderson Meats and Abattoir are the only plant/butcher shop in the region that raises its own cattle, processes its own cattle, and sells directly to customers. Their clients can truly enjoy the true farm to plate experience. They oversee the whole process from start to finish. From start to finish, you can see the results of their expertise.
For more information, you can visit their website (www.hendersonsmeats.ca), email them at info@hendersonsmeats.ca or give them a call at 613 448-3471. Taste the difference farm to plate makes.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
