You walk into some places and instantly know they’ve seen it all. That’s the vibe at Roy Tweedy's Holmes PA. It isn’t just a shop; it's a Delco institution. When you step through the door at 2042 MacDade Boulevard, the smell of roasted beef and floor sawdust hits you like a time machine. It’s loud. It’s busy. Honestly, if you aren't prepared to raise your voice a little over the hum of the cooling cases and the chatter of regulars, you might feel a bit lost. But that's the charm.
In an era where most people grab a plastic-wrapped tray of graying ground beef at a supermarket, Roy Tweedy’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop stands as a stubborn, delicious outlier. They’ve been at it since 1960. Think about that. Over sixty years of survival in a world of giant big-box retailers. You don't last that long by accident. You last because your meatballs are legendary and your butchers actually know your name.
The Famous Meatballs and "Mom and Maria"
Let’s get straight to the point: the meatballs. If you live in Ridley Township or anywhere near Holmes, you’ve probably had them. They’re called "Roy Tweedy's Original Meatballs," and they basically have a cult following. People don’t just buy a few; they grab the 5 lb. packages for Sunday dinners and Eagles tailgates.
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Then there’s the "Mom and Maria" line. These are the homemade prepared foods—soups, chicken scallopini, lasagna, and that store-roasted beef—that keep the local workforce fed. It’s the kind of food that tastes like someone’s grandmother spent eight hours in the kitchen, except you just had to pull it out of a deli case.
- Freshness over everything: They roast their own beef, pork, and baked ham in-house.
- The Deli Factor: They use Boar’s Head, sure, but the real stars are the house-made specialties.
- The "Little Butcher" legacy: Despite the massive selection, it maintains that small-town, personal feel that's increasingly rare in 2026.
Why People Still Drive to MacDade Boulevard
It’s not just about the protein. It’s the expertise. You can walk up to the counter and ask for a specific thickness for a ribeye, or ask Frank or Mark which cut works best for a slow-cooker stew, and they won't look at you like you’re speaking a foreign language. They actually help.
The prices are surprisingly competitive too. A lot of people assume a local butcher is going to be double the price of a grocery store. Kinda the opposite here. When you factor in the quality—the fact that the meat isn't pumped full of saline or sitting in its own juices for a week—the value is clearly on Tweedy's side. They even offer meat packages, which are basically bulk deals for families trying to stock the freezer without breaking the bank.
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Real Talk: The Experience
It isn't a boutique. Don't expect minimalist decor or soft indie folk music playing in the background. It’s a working butcher shop. It’s gritty in that authentic Delaware County way. Some reviewers have pointed out that it can get chaotic during the holidays, and yeah, the parking lot is a bit of a squeeze. But that's part of the ritual.
One thing that keeps people coming back is the consistency. Whether it's the "Old Timers" who have been shopping there since the 70s or younger families moving into Holmes and Folsom who want "real food," the shop bridges the generational gap. It’s a 13-time "Best of Delco" winner for a reason. You don't win those by being mediocre.
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What to Grab on Your First Visit
If you're a first-timer, don't overthink it. Grab a container of the chicken scallopini or the meatloaf from the prepared section. It’s a life-saver on a Tuesday night when you’re too tired to cook. And obviously, get the meatballs. If you’re grilling, the porterhouse steaks are usually cut perfectly and have better marbling than anything you’ll find at a chain.
Survival in the Modern Age
How does a place like Roy Tweedy's Holmes PA stay relevant? They’ve adapted just enough. They’re on DoorDash now. They take NFC mobile payments and SNAP/EBT. They’ve managed to keep the 1960s soul while acknowledging that it’s 2026 and people want convenience.
But at the end of the day, it’s about the trust. You trust that the chicken wasn’t frozen three times before it hit the shelf. You trust that the person behind the counter actually cares if your dinner turns out well.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Go early: Tuesday through Saturday, they open at 8:00 AM. If you want the best selection of the daily prepared specials, don't wait until 5:30 PM.
- Ask for recommendations: If you’re planning a BBQ, tell them your budget. They are masters at finding a cut that tastes expensive but isn't.
- Check the meat packs: If you have the freezer space, the bulk packs are the best way to save money on high-quality protein.
- Bring a cooler: If you’re coming from a bit further away (like Media or Philadelphia), bring a cooler in the car. You’re going to end up buying more than you planned.
Roy Tweedy’s is a reminder that some things are better when they don’t change too much. In a world of "disruption," there is something deeply comforting about a butcher shop that just focuses on being a really good butcher shop.