Mary Butcher has long dreamed of operating her own restaurant, and now she’s doing exactly that. Lil’ Em’s Eatery is one of downtown Amherst’s newest restaurant offerings, with food made fresh daily and served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Deputy Mayor Dale Fawthrop was recently joined by Councillors Leon Landry and George Baker, as well as Amherst’s CAO Jason MacDonald, to welcome Mary by presenting her with a new business certificate.
“I always cooked with my grandmother,” Mary explained. “She was an excellent cook. Her husband was in the military and she always had lots of people around the house to feed.”
This early start in her grandmother’s kitchen has had an obvious influence in Mary’s life, helping to guide her as she shares this love of good food with her customers.
“There’s something for everybody on the menu. From subs and wraps to salads – even cheeseburger soup. And a new one is the dill pickle quesadilla. But our most popular item, I would have to say, is the walking taco – everyone goes for that.”
Deputy Mayor Dale Fawthrop is joined by Councillors Landry and Baker, and Amherst CAO Jason MacDonald, to present a new business certificate to Mary Butcher - owner of Lil' Em's Eatery in downtown Amherst.
Plenty of fresh-baked items are on offer, as well as summertime favourites, including milkshakes, floats, sundaes, freezies, and ice cream cones. Being located right across from Havelock Park makes this a great spot to grab a treat to beat the heat.
“We’ve been loving this location. During the recent Family Night market, we stayed open later than normal to participate in the activity right outside our door and we actually sold out of our pulled pork – it was very popular.”
Although originally from Prince Edward Island, Mary has lived in Amherst for 15 years. “The spirit of the community is like nothing I’ve ever seen around. I love the people and that’s what’s kept me here.”
A great demonstration of Amherst’s community spirit is evident in the “Buddy Board” you’ll see close to the cash register at Lil’ Em’s Eatery. “Anyone can stop in and anything on that board there has already been paid for. If somebody forgot their wallet, or you’re from out of town and you need some lunch, you can come in and take from the Buddy Board – no judgement. We want to help make sure people are getting fed.”
And on the other side, anyone can come in and make a purchase to be added to the Buddy Board, to keep the kindness flowing.
Lil’ Em’s Eatery is located at 10 Havelock Street in downtown Amherst, open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays; and, closed on Sundays. 902-297-7883
