George's Butcher Shop in Murphy, NC recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop

George's Butcher Shop in Murphy, NC is recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop. When George and Carolyn Michelsen opened the doors to George’s Butcher Shop, they were armed with the knowledge that the “one-stop shopping” concept promoted by large retailers is woven tightly into our culture. George and Carolyn also knew, however, that “there will always be a demand for competitively-priced, farm fresh meats and products, as well as intensely personalized customer service.”

As the child of a butcher, George’s respect for the art of meat cutting began early in his life. As an adult, George worked for and managed meat departments of large grocery stores. There, he not only honed his skills, but he also met his future wife, Carolyn. After they married, the two dreamed of recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop. Years of dreaming finally became a reality in August 2007 when they opened their shop in the beautiful, rolling hills of Western North Carolina in Murphy, NC. Together this family is fulfilling their dream and offers the "hometown service" of the local family owned and operated business here at George's Butcher Shop.

Unlike your local grocer and even many small butcher shops that get “boxed beef”, entire sides of beef are delivered weekly by local farmer, Steve Whitmire, of Brasstown Beef  to George’s Butcher Shop where George and his 82-year-old dad, George Sr., spend the day side by side preparing meat for sale. Both Georges are quite the “cut-up”, so oftentimes customers will hear loads of laughter coming from the cutting room. Daughter, Jessica, 26, meat-cutter-in-training, tries to keep the guys in line – when she’s not joining in, that is.

Because George gets whole sides of beef, he is able to offer cuts of meat no longer available in grocery stores. “We don’t just cut meat and put it out for purchase, we also want to bring back recipes that were once enjoyed by previous generations,” explains George. “Not long ago, folks knew how to utilize every part of an animal, and as a result, fantastic recipes were developed. Since most grocery stores have stopped selling cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, short ribs and shoulder boomerang, for example, those delicious meals have faded away. It is our mission to bring them back.” You’ll find some of those great recipes at the George’s Butcher Shop web site. 

George’s Butcher Shop also custom cuts their fresh meat to their customers’ specifications. Wrapped in traditional butcher paper, customers depart knowing that their meat is truly farm fresh. The lack of preservatives not only offers healthier meat, but also a flavor that was once common before large retailers became dominant and meat was shipped from distant providers. Being here brings back memories of my grandfathers grocery store in Miami, FL and seeing all the wives come in and have the butcher make up special cut and wrapped packages for their dinner that night.

In addition to beef, George’s Butcher Shop offers poultry, pork, and lamb. They also carry Lee's favorite, Boar's Head Meats. In the coming years, George and Carolyn will partner with other local farmers to secure these types of meat. Seafood and fish are also available. Beyond meat products, customers can also purchase made-from-scratch “Hot Meals to Go,” or “dine in” on delicious dishes such as pizza, calzones, strombolis or sub sandwiches. Catering parties and events is yet another facet to the Michelsens’ never-ending goal to satisfy the individual needs of each and every patron. Make sure to stop in George’s Butcher Shop where you’ll see and taste the difference.

George’s Butcher Shop
Open Mon – Sat. 10 am to 7 pm
20 Wells Connector Rd., Beechwood Plaza
Murphy, NC 28906   828.837.7878

For more information on great homes, land, shopping and events going on in
Murphy, NC and the surrounding areas visit www.LeeAndCarol.com