For Chris Smith, it was a case of the right place at the right time.
So not only has he become a butcher, he also owns the business.
Smith is the operator of The Village Butcher in the Port Stanley Firehall Market, the newest stop for quality meats and exceptional service.
A career move not necessarily on his road map a decade ago.
“Ten years ago I wouldn’t have done it,” concedes Smith.
“But now I’m in a different place in my life and I have the ability to do it, so let’s do it.”
With the location in the former Port Stanley fire hall proving to be a popular destination, not only for area residents, but also for visitors to the lakeside community.
Smith explains how the opportunity to expand his career prospects arose.
His biggest hurdle so far is an indication of how The Village Butcher has caught on with the community.
Smith assures that almost all of his chicken, beef and pork is purchased locally.
If you are looking for a specialty cut, he advises calling ahead and it can be special ordered.
And with holiday meals to plan, and you are looking at options beyond turkey, now is the time to place that special order.
So far, notes Smith, the feedback has been nothing but positive.
“I get a tremendous amount of feedback. The following is picking up every week. So yeah, it’s been really, really good so far.”
He continues, ” I know a lot of people in Port Stanley, so they come to see me, and when they come in, they ask questions, and if I can answer them, great. If not, I’ll find an answer for you and get back to you. So that does help. You know, being friendly, being cordial, being polite, service-minded. That’s one of my things, right?”
“Port Stanley is a growing market as well, which is a nice thing.”
Smith explains his winter hours at the Port Stanley Firehall Market.
As to the future, Smith explains he is working with the Elgin Business Resource Centre for short and long-term planning.
“They are helping me plot out where I’m trying to get to. Hopefully by the end of January, early February, I’ll be able to hire someone.
“That was a lot of work, just to get the plans in place to be able to make sure that I was moving in the direction I wanted to be moving in.”
Written by Ian McCallum
