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| - What happened to this place? Sure the meats are fresh, but this place used to make it an "experience" to visit, with samples of meats, salsas, vinegar/oil dips, lots of daily or weekend specials, local events, etc. Now, the last couple years - NOTHING, it has become BLAH. For a boutique shop, with lots of unique and delicious options from all around the world - I expect a lot more than just product. Their service, friendliness is also way down. Bathrooms aren't as tidy or inviting either. I've been going here since 2010, when it was the "Meat Store", and for years it was a true experience to visit. Both my kids loved it, we would go for a couple of their samples and I would walk out with $100 worth of meats and cool foods when I only went there to pick up 2 lbs of hamburger meat! Also - back then, it was always PACKED with people, 2-3 people deep at the meat line waiting for their turn. I haven't seen more than 5 or 6 people there at one time for years. I'm really disappointed, because it has so much potential, the location is awesome. They could crush all other fresh food and butcher type options for miles if they would just focus on activating the space more and paying attention to the basic details of the service-profit chain. But unfortunately, without that focus, they are I'm sure getting crushed by Whole Foods, Earth Fare and Fresh Market, which have popped up all around. Too bad, because I'll bet they're using the growth of those chains as an excuse - but that's not the case. It just takes a little bit of culture driven marketing, activation and service. People will flock to the Butcher Shop because the chains can't offer those levels of personal connection the way this store USED TO deliver. I wish them luck - but I doubt it'll happen with the current leadership in charge - It'll have to come from the top top. Make some simple improvements and we'll come, in droves. Don't, and this great store will probably be out of business in 12-18 months.
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