Meet Brian Smith | Butchery & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The foundation of The Butchery’s success is the craftsmanship and personal service we bring to every interaction. Robert and I started the business after struggling to find truly exceptional meats in Southern California, inspired by the neighborhood butcher shops I grew up with near Boston—places built on quality, trust, and connection. From day one, our mission has been clear: offer premium meats, expert guidance, and an experience that feels personal.

Whether in Orange County, San Diego, or now Manhattan Beach, every cut in our case is hand-selected for quality and flavor. We source from a trusted network of ranchers—many relationships over a decade strong—whose practices we know inside and out. While we offer grass-fed, organic, and locally sourced options, we’re not trend-driven; we’re values-driven. Listening to our customers and partners keeps us evolving without losing sight of the standards that set us apart. That consistency is what people taste, and why they return.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Butchery is a full-service butcher shop we founded in Southern California, known for our curated selection of specialty meats—including dry-aged beef, wagyu, bison, venison, local sausages, and signature in-house marinades. We set out to revive the neighborhood butcher shop model where you know your butcher by name, trust their recommendations, and always leave with the highest-quality cut.

What sets us apart is our commitment to both product and people. Every cut is hand-selected, every customer gets knowledgeable guidance, and every visit feels personal. Our long-standing partnerships with ranchers and suppliers ensure consistent quality, ethical practices, and unmatched flavor.

It wasn’t an easy road. When we opened, the idea of a high-end, service-focused butcher shop in Southern California was still niche. We had to educate customers on why quality matters, build a loyal following from scratch, and hold our own against big-box competitors. We succeeded by staying true to our values, adapting to customer feedback, and never compromising on standards.

Today, The Butchery is more than a place to buy meat—it’s a community hub where people come to plan meals, swap recipes, and connect over a shared love of food. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s that authenticity and consistency stand the test of time.

At the core of our story is a belief: exceptional meals start with exceptional ingredients, and exceptional ingredients come from trusted relationships—from rancher to butcher to customer. That’s the legacy we’re building, one cut at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by showing them the charm of Manhattan Beach. We’d spend the day swimming at Bruce’s Beach, then head to Joey Manhattan Beach for happy hour—where their Adult Snack Pack is a must-try. To close out the evening, we’d savor ocean views over a nightcap at The Strand House before taking a stroll along the Manhattan Beach Pier. And of course, no visit would be complete without grabbing some incredible eats from The Butchery!

Down in Orange County, I’d plan a day of hiking at Crystal Cove State Park followed by a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. For food, I’d make sure we hit some of my favorite restaurants: Fat of the Land in Santa Ana for something unique and bold, The Hobbit in Orange for a special fine dining experience, and The Cliff in Laguna Beach for incredible coastal views.

Mix in plenty of beach time, great meals, and a little adventure, and I think that’s the perfect way to give a friend a true taste of Southern California living.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my business partner, Robert Hagopian. From the earliest days of The Butchery, he’s shared my vision for creating a place where quality and personal connection come first. His work ethic, ability to balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail, and steady presence through challenges and triumphs alike have been invaluable.

Robert’s influence goes beyond business. He’s been there for late-night planning sessions, last-minute problem-solving, and every celebration. The Butchery simply wouldn’t be what it is without his dedication, perspective, and friendship.

Website: https://www.butcherymeats.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_butchery/

Image Credits
The Butchery