In an era of big-box supermarkets and online grocery delivery, a growing number of Western North Carolina residents are turning to a traditional source for their meat: the local butcher shop.
Foothills Butcher Shop, located in downtown Black Mountain, specializes in whole-animal butchery and locally sourced meats. Here’s why area residents say they’re making the switch to Foothills Butcher Shop:
1. Fresh, local meat with more flavor
Foothills partners with small, pasture-based farms in the region to source its beef, pork and lamb. Many cuts are dry-aged on site. This enhances flavor and ensures higher quality than most grocery store offerings.
2. Whole-animal butchery sets them apart
Unlike many retailers, Foothills breaks down whole sides of beef and pork in-house. That allows the shop to offer a wider variety of cuts and use every part of the animal. Customers can find bone-in pork chops, lesser-known steaks like Denver or coulotte, and house-made items such as sausage, tallow and demi-glace.
3. Staff offer personalized service and advice
Foothills employs trained butchers who are available to answer questions and provide cooking tips. Cuts can be trimmed or prepared to order.
4. Hot meals made from scratch
The shop also features an in-house kitchen serving lunch items such as pulled pork sandwiches, smoked kielbasa, and Foothills’ popular Carolina-style hot dogs. All menu items are made with meat processed in-house.
5. Community support through local sourcing
Foothills works directly with farms in Saluda, Old Fort and across Western North Carolina. Customers say they appreciate knowing where their food comes from and how their purchases support local agriculture…