Prime cuts in Southdale

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This article was published 26/11/2019 (2338 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The co-owners of a new butcher’s shop in Southdale have a taste for success.

At press time, the co-owners of Boulevard Fine Meats and Deli were putting the finishing touches to their new business, which is located at 1A-49 Vermillion Rd, and expected to open its doors in the coming days. The managing partners are Cara Potenza, Stephen Cross, and Cori Tomsic. Cari Tomsic is a silent partner.

Cross — who has been a butcher for the last 35 years, and has worked in different sectors of the industry — said part of the vision of Boulevard’s owners is to build a business that harkens back to the days when communities had a local butcher, and a high level of customer service is important.

“We believe in the shop local, buy local mantra, and it’s a nice feeling when you’re shopping and someone greets you, makes eye contact, and you receive a certain level of customer service,” Cross said, noting there will also be an emphasis on gluten-free products.  

“It’s like things are coming full circle, and we’re bringing it back around, and we’re now seeing a lot of support for local producers, and farmers’ markets.”

Cross, who lives in Southdale, said he anticipates around 90 per cent of the store’s products will be made in-house, and the team has also recruited the services of a sausage maker who was trained in Germany.

Potenza said the owners are hoping to cater to a cross-section of community members in the area, whether it’s walk-in clientele or advance bookings.

“We’ll be here for anyone from kids that want to buy some beef jerky to older adults looking for some nice roast beef,” Potenza, who lives in West St. Paul, said.

“Basically, anyone who wants good quality products,” she added, noting Certified Angus beef, chicken, pork, and game will also be for sale, as well as home-cooked foods items such as perogies, lasagna, and meatloaf.

“We also aim to do outside catering, such as platters and charcuterie boards for different events such as socials and in-home gatherings. The key thing is it’s a family building the business, a family owning it, and a family running it.”

Potenza said the business is keen to support other local businesses and vendors as it establishes itself in the community, citing Bothwell Cheese as one example.  

Visit Boulevard Fine Meats and Deli on Facebook for more information.