“Many people thought I had completely lost my mind”

When Jón Örn Stefánsson opened Kjötkompaní, some people thought he had completely lost his mind. The company’s doors opened about five minutes after the period known as “God Bless Iceland,” but he says the business quickly found a gap in the market.

“

Yes, time flies and there is plenty to do.

Kjötkompaní is now celebrating its 17th anniversary with promotions in its stores, including 20% discounts on some of its most popular products. The anniversary weekend has brought plenty of activity, with the shops filled with food and tastings.

The early years were demanding. Shifts could run long, and the staff was much smaller than it is today. Jón Örn remembers one particularly busy day, with a full shop and customers waiting, when the head butcher rushed to the counter and called out, “Can I debone the next one?”

“

Many people thought I had completely lost my mind.

The company has since grown to three stores, a meat-processing facility and a commercial kitchen. Drangar has also become a co-owner, supporting the company’s continued growth. Kjötkompaní employs about 50 people, who are due to travel abroad together for a staff celebration in the coming days. Anniversary cakes will also be available in the staff rooms.

“

Can I debone the next one?

Jón Örn says customers come to the shops not only for special occasions, but also for everyday meals. Alongside steaks, the stores sell ground beef, lasagna, prepared dishes, soups and meat boxes that customers can keep in the freezer. His own earliest food memory is his grandmother’s Icelandic meat soup. A trained chef, he previously worked under Skúli Hansen at the Arnarhóll restaurant.

“

I think it was my grandmother’s Icelandic meat soup. It was absolutely wonderful.