50 years of success for Maine Bakery

Located in the heart of Cullybackey and from humble beginnings, Maine Bakery has built up an enviable reputation for quality home baked produce.

The doors were opened for the first time in February 1963 by husband and wife team Dan and Jean Smyth.

Dan had learned the trade by working long shifts in many bakeries over the province. He had an offer to rent a small bakery business in Cullybackey and after many days of thought and consultation with his wife Jean he decided to go for it ....so with Jean in the shop and Dan in the bakery Maine Bakery was born!

Dan and Jean worked faithfully and the business prospered. Branches appeared in Galgorm, Ballymena, Portglenone and Kilrea.

By 1985 Dan’s daughter Joy and son Alistair had also joined the business. In 1994 Dan introduced Alistair to David Smyth. David owned a Spar shop in Ballymoney and was keen to try selling Maine Bakery products. The result was an unprecedented success and the wholesale side of the business was created.

“The business partnership between ourselves and David Smyth of Glebeside Spar has been exceptional. It gave me the confidence to drive the business forward, content in the knowledge that demand for a quality product was there. I would like to thank Davy publically for the help he has given me over the years,” Alistair said.

Dan sadly died in 1995 but since then the business has continued to prosper in the capable hands of Joy and Alistair, with there mother still taking a keen interest in what goes on!

The business currently has four shops Cullybackey, Broughshane Street Ballymena, Galgorm and Portglenone.

Along with Glebeside Spar, Ballymoney the business has developed a close relationship with Hendersons Retail, supplying three of their company owned stores in Cullybackey, Randalstown and Ahoghill. Another relationship that has flourished and grown over the years.

Alistair added that a huge part of the success of the bakery is down to the loyalty and professionalism of the staff.

He said: “Over the last 50 years the business has expanded but the core production staff have remained very constant and I want to thank them for their loyalty and effort over the years.”

The business incorporated and became a limited company from 01/01/2013 with Joy and Alistair as directors.

Maine Bakery produce a large variety of morning goods available fresh daily including baps, rolls, scones, wheatens, sodas, pancakes and potato bread.

A wide range of cakes, sponges, tray bakes and pastry are also available, along with fresh sausage rolls savouries and sandwiches.

A particular area of growth in the last few years has been Celebration Cakes. Alistair said: “We specialise in birthday cakes, picture and number birthday cakes, christening cakes and really any type of cake to mark that special occasion.

“All baked fresh and expertly decorated. Although we don’t specialise in wedding cakes, we can provide cupcakes, shortbread etc for your special day.”

In closing Joy and Alistair would like to sincerely thank their customers for their loyalty and support over the years.