Since 2008, Rusty Bowers has been breaking down whole animals at his butcher shop Pine Street Market in Avondale Estates. But with the debut of his newest project in February, longtime customers now have access to much more than artisan meats.
At Chop Shop , located at 1366 Memorial Drive SE in Atlanta's Edgewood neighborhood, patrons will find not only high-quality, sustainably raised meats, but also farm-fresh produce, regionally produced cheeses, heritage grains, locally made pickles, preserves and prepared grab-and-go items.
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Teaming up with Bowers in the venture are Charlotte and Wes Swancy, the husband-wife duo who produce beef and pork on their Riverview Farm in Ranger, Ga.
Chop Shop makes its home in a former tire service station. Its 1,350-square feet of retail space features reclaimed wood from Riverview Farm as well as lighting fixtures from the farm’s old chicken coops. “It has the feel of the two companies coming together,” Bowers said, noting that the project is the culmination of discussions with the Swancy’s about a farmer-butcher co-owned retail shop that began a decade ago.
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Chop Shop also has an expansive outdoor patio area, complete with a Big Green Egg, plus an adjoining building that will be used to host cooking demonstrations, pop-ups and other culinary-related events that celebrate the local food scene. Bowers said that they envision the space as one where up-and-coming chefs and food producers can test their edible creations on hungry diners. In addition, the trio welcome food producers who peddle wares at farmers markets to sell the remainder of their product at Chop Shop once the farmers market closes for the day.
Chop Shop is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.
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