A long-cherished aspiration has come to fruition for a Dunning mother of two, as she prepares to inaugurate a new delicatessen poised to become a vibrant addition to the village community. Fiona McIntyre, 43, who relocated to Dunning from Auchterarder three years prior with her family, is now set to officially open Little Fort Deli on Muckhart Road, marking a significant milestone in her extensive hospitality career.
The decision to launch her own venture is a momentous one for Mrs. McIntyre, reflecting a lifelong ambition to operate her own business. Having dedicated a substantial portion of her professional life to the hospitality sector, working in diverse settings such as restaurants and bars both internationally during a three-year travel period and locally, including a stint at Delvino in Crieff and various hotels, the thought of striking out independently had always lingered.
“I had always envisioned myself running my own establishment,” Mrs. McIntyre shared, reflecting on her journey. “I made a conscious decision that I wouldn’t return to hospitality unless it was to build something for myself. Truthfully, I never imagined this day would arrive; it’s a truly significant moment.” A Supportive Community Fuels Entrepreneurial Spirit
The catalyst for Little Fort Deli came with the availability of a property on Muckhart Road. It was her husband’s unwavering encouragement that provided the final push needed to transform her dream into a tangible reality. “He told me this was something I simply had to do – a ‘now or never’ opportunity,” she recounted, highlighting the pivotal role of spousal support in her entrepreneurial leap.
Perth and Kinross is renowned for its strong community bonds and support for local enterprises, and Dunning, a charming village nestled within this scenic region, is no exception. While acknowledging the presence of other outstanding businesses in the area, Mrs. McIntyre is confident that Little Fort Deli offers a distinctive appeal that will carve out its own niche and genuinely benefit residents and visitors alike.
“We anticipate attracting many cyclists and dog walkers who frequent the beautiful routes around Dunning,” Mrs. McIntyre noted, envisioning the deli as a convenient stop for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond that, she believes it will serve a practical purpose for villagers, saving them trips to larger towns like Perth for specialty items. “It will be a place where you can easily pick up your ‘picky bits’ for the weekend, eliminating the need to travel to larger supermarkets. I truly believe it will be a valuable asset to the village.” A Culinary Gem for Dunning and Beyond
Little Fort Deli boasts a comprehensive offering designed to cater to diverse tastes. The centrepiece is a fully stocked deli counter featuring an array of gourmet selections, including olives, artisanal cheeses, sun-blushed tomatoes, and delectable stuffed peppers. Sweet treats are also a highlight, with a tempting selection of cakes made by local bakers. To satisfy those with a sweet tooth or a craving for chilled delights, the deli proudly serves nine different flavours of ice-cream from the well-regarded Stewart Tower Dairies, a local favourite in Perthshire.
The menu extends further to encompass a range of freshly prepared hot and cold food items, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Customers can look forward to pastries, freshly baked scones, and a variety of hot drinks. For more substantial options, the deli offers rolls, warming soups, hearty baked potatoes, paninis, wraps, and classic hot dogs. A selection of refreshing smoothies will also be available, catering to health-conscious patrons.
The community’s response to Little Fort Deli has been nothing short of phenomenal. A recent soft launch event saw queues forming down the street, a clear testament to the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding the new establishment. “The feedback from the community has been unbelievable – truly overwhelming,” Mrs. McIntyre exclaimed, visibly touched by the warm reception. “Everyone has been popping in, offering words of encouragement, and during our opening evening, I believe we must have welcomed over 200 people through the doors.”
This outpouring of support has reinforced Mrs. McIntyre’s belief in the deli’s positive impact. “It was incredibly positive, and I am so grateful for it. Everyone consistently mentioned that this is precisely what the village needed,” she expressed, underscoring the perceived gap that Little Fort Deli is now filling. Looking ahead, Mrs. McIntyre hopes to further embed the deli within the community by establishing a noticeboard. This simple addition aims to foster a stronger sense of community spirit, keeping residents informed about local happenings and transforming the deli into a central hub for village life.
Mrs. McIntyre’s entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of the vibrant small business scene thriving in Perth and Kinross, where local dreams, coupled with community support, can flourish and enrich the fabric of local life.
The decision to launch her own venture is a momentous one for Mrs. McIntyre, reflecting a lifelong ambition to operate her own business. Having dedicated a substantial portion of her professional life to the hospitality sector, working in diverse settings such as restaurants and bars both internationally during a three-year travel period and locally, including a stint at Delvino in Crieff and various hotels, the thought of striking out independently had always lingered.
“I had always envisioned myself running my own establishment,” Mrs. McIntyre shared, reflecting on her journey. “I made a conscious decision that I wouldn’t return to hospitality unless it was to build something for myself. Truthfully, I never imagined this day would arrive; it’s a truly significant moment.” A Supportive Community Fuels Entrepreneurial Spirit
The catalyst for Little Fort Deli came with the availability of a property on Muckhart Road. It was her husband’s unwavering encouragement that provided the final push needed to transform her dream into a tangible reality. “He told me this was something I simply had to do – a ‘now or never’ opportunity,” she recounted, highlighting the pivotal role of spousal support in her entrepreneurial leap.
Perth and Kinross is renowned for its strong community bonds and support for local enterprises, and Dunning, a charming village nestled within this scenic region, is no exception. While acknowledging the presence of other outstanding businesses in the area, Mrs. McIntyre is confident that Little Fort Deli offers a distinctive appeal that will carve out its own niche and genuinely benefit residents and visitors alike.
“We anticipate attracting many cyclists and dog walkers who frequent the beautiful routes around Dunning,” Mrs. McIntyre noted, envisioning the deli as a convenient stop for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond that, she believes it will serve a practical purpose for villagers, saving them trips to larger towns like Perth for specialty items. “It will be a place where you can easily pick up your ‘picky bits’ for the weekend, eliminating the need to travel to larger supermarkets. I truly believe it will be a valuable asset to the village.” A Culinary Gem for Dunning and Beyond
Little Fort Deli boasts a comprehensive offering designed to cater to diverse tastes. The centrepiece is a fully stocked deli counter featuring an array of gourmet selections, including olives, artisanal cheeses, sun-blushed tomatoes, and delectable stuffed peppers. Sweet treats are also a highlight, with a tempting selection of cakes made by local bakers. To satisfy those with a sweet tooth or a craving for chilled delights, the deli proudly serves nine different flavours of ice-cream from the well-regarded Stewart Tower Dairies, a local favourite in Perthshire.
The menu extends further to encompass a range of freshly prepared hot and cold food items, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Customers can look forward to pastries, freshly baked scones, and a variety of hot drinks. For more substantial options, the deli offers rolls, warming soups, hearty baked potatoes, paninis, wraps, and classic hot dogs. A selection of refreshing smoothies will also be available, catering to health-conscious patrons.
The community’s response to Little Fort Deli has been nothing short of phenomenal. A recent soft launch event saw queues forming down the street, a clear testament to the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding the new establishment. “The feedback from the community has been unbelievable – truly overwhelming,” Mrs. McIntyre exclaimed, visibly touched by the warm reception. “Everyone has been popping in, offering words of encouragement, and during our opening evening, I believe we must have welcomed over 200 people through the doors.”
This outpouring of support has reinforced Mrs. McIntyre’s belief in the deli’s positive impact. “It was incredibly positive, and I am so grateful for it. Everyone consistently mentioned that this is precisely what the village needed,” she expressed, underscoring the perceived gap that Little Fort Deli is now filling. Looking ahead, Mrs. McIntyre hopes to further embed the deli within the community by establishing a noticeboard. This simple addition aims to foster a stronger sense of community spirit, keeping residents informed about local happenings and transforming the deli into a central hub for village life.
Mrs. McIntyre’s entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of the vibrant small business scene thriving in Perth and Kinross, where local dreams, coupled with community support, can flourish and enrich the fabric of local life.