Meet The Carrs: The 'big in Bolton' pie shop hoping to be massive in Manchester
28.03.2022 - 09:31
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Over the past 84 years, Carrs Pasties' delightfully soft pastry and delicious fillings have won the heart of many a Boltonian.
The family-run bakery initially started as a tripe shop on Halliwell Road prior to the Second World War but began attracting queues of mill workers when freshly-baked whist pies, meat pies and pasties started to be sold.
Then, in 1960, the owners' children John, Bernard, David and Veronica all quit their burgeoning careers to form a limited company and scale up production.
READ MORE: Carrs vs Ye Olde Pasty Shoppe - Bolton has its say on the battle of the pastries
Bolton Council gave the company a loan in 1975, which continued to help it grow and in 2013, it was passed down to John's children Matt, Joe and Liam.
Under their ownership, Carrs has since opened two further premises - a flagship store on Manchester Road and one at Market Place Shopping Centre.
After cracking their hometown, they now have their sights set on opening a shop in Manchester.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at their Manchester Road bakery, Matt Carr recalled the moment that he found out they were taking over the family legacy.
He said: "I was working in technology down in London and doing really well but I got a call from my dad saying 'If you want it, it's time.'
"I handed my notice in straight away and it's the best decision I've ever made.
"Liam and Joe have always worked here. I feel like I know how to run businesses but Liam and Joe know how to run this one and I like to think we've done well for ourselves.
"Now we're actively looking for premises in the city centre.
"Most people in Manchester still haven't heard of us but then in places like Salford they have.
"A lot of Nisa convenience stores and places