The crisp Autumn air is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still crave the smoky scent of the grill, and who better to supply the delicious meats to go upon that grill, but The Block Butcher Shop.
The Block Butcher Shop, in Norwich, opened on September 10th, 2024 to rave reviews. Mitchell Ariesen, who started working as a butcher in high school, had wanted to open up shop. He settled on Norwich as they did not have a retail butcher. Ariesen loves the area, and has dedicated himself to catering to the customer. “I would really like to see the shop to run on what customers want.”
Supplying the staples of fresh and frozen beef, pork, and poultry, The Block Butcher Shop also carries frozen seafood, milk, cheeses, smoked meats, sauces and rubs, and the ever popular prepared meals, for the love of home cooking without the need for preparing a meal on those busy nights! They also carry knives and bbq utensils/kits. It’s a one stop shop.
The fresh meat counter is stocked all week with all the usual suspects, but Ariesen would also like to offer fresh bulk purchases at discount prices- such as 10 lb bags of chicken wings or 10 lb bags of fresh chicken breast. Offering families affordable options, so they can buy local instead of buying their meat at big box warehouses. Ariesen also encourages his customers to inquire about cuts of meat they would like, or meats that are not currently stocked. Customers had inquired about peameal bacon, as an example, and this is now carried in store. If his customers are interested in something, he will try to get it in. Customers can also request to special order something, and Ariesen will try to source it for them. Specialty cuts, such as these, can be ordered a couple days to a week ahead of time for sourcing. This would include items such as tomahawk, hammer roast, picanha, suckling pig, or a bbq pig.
In the future, Ariesen would like to expand to include in his freezer orders ¼ or ½ beef bundles. Customers would order, and let him know how they’d like it cut. This would be especially good for farmers raising their own animals, however, others would order the same way. Ariesen would source the meat, and cut to order.
For those who may be looking for some authentically prepared, Ariesen carries such deliciousness as Slavinken-a dutch prepared meal which fares especially well in winter, savoury Jalapeno poppers, which are wrapped in bacon, Pork Schnitzel, pork medallions, also wrapped in bacon, and English Broils- steak with sausage formed in a pinwheel. All prepared meals are made in house and these have quickly become a customer favourite.
The Block Butcher Shop also carries seasonal freezer bundles. Customers can call in orders if they’d like, or can just come into the store to peruse the great selection of meats.
The Block Butcher Shop has garnered significant community praise, with many customers returning regularly. One of the reasons for this loyalty is Ariesen’s commitment to sourcing locally, which resonates with his clientele. His focus on using local meats and dairy products is a key part of his mission to serve Rural Oxford authentically, while also supporting the region’s abundant resources. This approach fosters strong inter-community and inter-business relationships.
The Block Butcher Shop is a customer focused shop, with the early repeat customers to prove it. People come from all over to visit the store, and come back for the great service. “I’ve been humbled by the response so far, and look forward to continuing to serve my customers.
Check them out on facebook and instagram at The Block Butcher Shop