Eric And Sandy McLean  Announce Retirement and Sale of McLean’s Specialty Foods to New Owners.

Vancouver Island’s Premier Cheese Shop to Transition to New Ownership After 33 Years of Excellence.

Nanaimo, BC – After more than three decades of serving the community as Vancouver Island’s go-to destination for specialty cheeses and gourmet foods, Eric “The Big Cheese” McLean and his wife Sandy are excited to announce their retirement and the sale of McLean’s Specialty Foods in Nanaimo.

The iconic cheese shop, renowned for its curated selection of artisanal cheeses and gourmet groceries, will now be in the capable hands of local entrepreneurs Jamie and Kerry Martini, founders of Meat Craft Butcheries, teaming up with (Jamie’s brother) Dave Pady – of Cognito Coffee Roasters and his partner Rhea Pearson.

For 33 years, Eric and Sandy have dedicated themselves to creating a warm, welcoming space for food lovers, sourcing the finest cheeses and specialty products from around the world.

McLean’s Specialty Foods quickly became a beloved institution in Nanaimo and beyond, known for its exceptional selection and personal service.

As Eric and Sandy transition into retirement, they are delighted to pass the torch to Jamie, Kerry, Dave, and Rhea–four long-time Nanaimo residents who share the same passion for high-quality, globally AND locally-sourced food.

“I am beyond excited to step into retirement and leave McLean’s in such capable hands,” said Eric McLean, who earned the nickname “The Big Cheese” for both his stature and in-depth knowledge of the cheese industry. “Jamie, Kerry, Dave, and Rhea are the perfect team to take McLean’s Specialty Foods to new heights, and I know the store will continue to be a place where food enthusiasts can discover the best products available.”

The new ownership group is committed to maintaining the beloved traditions of McLean’s, ensuring that all staff members will be offered continued employment.

Customers can expect to find all of the specialty cheeses and gourmet groceries that have made McLean’s a favourite, with even more exciting offerings in the future.

“We are thrilled to continue the legacy of McLean’s Specialty Foods, building on the foundation Eric and Sandy have created over the years,” said Kerry Martini. “Our goal is to stay true to the values of quality, service, and community that McLean’s is known for, while also introducing new ideas and expanding the product selection to include more of the local and specialty products our collective customers love.”

McLean’s Specialty Foods will remain open throughout the transition, and all current offerings will continue to be available, with updates on new products and initiatives coming in the near future. Eric encourages all customers to use their McLean’s gift certificates ASAP before the transition that is planned for March.

Next stop for the new owners and McLean’s longtime manager Christy, is attending the Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas to make sure Nanaimo has the most cutting edge foods and trends available to serve its valued customers.
Eric and Sandy want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our loyal customers who have supported us so faithfully over the years. It has been a delight to serve you and get to know you. 

Thank you.