Ole Timey Meats in Florence: Custom Cuts and Whole-Animal Butchery

What Ole Timey Meats offers in Florence

Ole Timey Meats is a full-service butcher shop in Florence that handles custom cuts, whole-animal processing, and specialty meat orders. The shop works directly with local and regional suppliers, meaning you can order specific cuts, request particular animals, and discuss sourcing with the butchers who will prepare your meat. Unlike supermarket meat counters, Ole Timey Meats treats each order as a custom job—you tell them what you need, and they cut it to your specifications.

The shop handles beef, pork, poultry, and game, and can process whole animals if you've hunted or purchased livestock. They also carry prepared items like sausages, bacon, and other cured or specialty products. If you're planning a large meal, catering event, or want to buy a side or quarter of beef, this is the place to discuss options and pricing directly with someone who knows the product.

Key Takeaways

• Ole Timey Meats cuts meat to order rather than selling only pre-packaged options, so you can request specific thicknesses, bone-in or boneless, and unusual cuts.
• The shop can process whole animals and handle special orders for events, catering, or bulk purchases like sides of beef.
• You can speak directly with the butchers about sourcing, animal quality, and how to prepare unfamiliar cuts.
• Specialty items like house-made sausages, bacon, and cured meats are available alongside fresh cuts.

How to order custom cuts

Walk in or call ahead with a description of what you need. Tell the butchers the cut name, the weight or thickness you want, and whether you prefer bone-in or boneless. If you're unsure what cut suits your recipe, describe the dish you're making—they can recommend a cut and tell you how to cook it. For large orders or whole-animal processing, calling ahead is essential so they can schedule the work and discuss pricing.

Pricing varies by cut, quality grade, and current availability. Since Ole Timey Meats sources from specific suppliers rather than a national chain, prices may differ from supermarket meat counters, but you're paying for control over quality and the ability to get exactly what you want. Ask about their current suppliers and any specialty items they have in stock.

Whole-animal processing and bulk purchases

If you've harvested a deer, elk, or other game, or if you've purchased a live animal or carcass from a farm, Ole Timey Meats can process it into retail cuts. This service is common among hunters and people buying directly from local livestock producers. The butchers will break down the animal, trim it, and package the cuts according to your preferences—steaks, roasts, ground meat, or whatever you specify.

For bulk purchases like a half or quarter beef, pork, or lamb, call to discuss the animal's size, the cuts you want, and the total cost. These orders are usually picked up on a set date after processing, and the meat is frozen or kept cold for transport. This option works well for families, restaurants, or anyone who cooks in volume.

Specialty and prepared items

Beyond fresh cuts, Ole Timey Meats makes or stocks prepared products. House-made sausages—breakfast links, Italian, bratwurst, or custom blends—are common. Bacon, ham, and other cured meats may be available, either made in-house or sourced from specialty producers. Ask what's currently available and whether they can make a custom sausage blend if you have a specific recipe or flavor in mind.

These items are useful for meal planning, catering, or gifts. Prices and availability change with the season and what suppliers have on hand, so checking in regularly or calling ahead helps you catch specialty items before they sell out.

Location and hours in Florence

Ole Timey Meats is located in Florence. Before your first visit, confirm the exact address and current hours by calling or checking online, as butcher shop hours can vary seasonally and may differ from standard retail hours. Many butcher shops close on Sundays or Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Parking is usually available at or near the shop. If you're ordering a large quantity or processing a whole animal, ask about parking and loading when you call—some shops have a loading area or back entrance for bulk pickups.

What to bring and how to prepare

For a simple custom cut, just show up with a description of what you need. For whole-animal processing, bring the animal (if it's a carcass, it should be kept cold) or arrange delivery. If you're buying a bulk order, bring a cooler or insulated bags to transport the meat home, especially if you're not going straight home. Frozen meat can thaw during a long drive, so plan your route and timing.

If you're new to a particular cut or cooking method, ask the butchers for advice. They often have recipes or cooking tips for less common cuts, and they can tell you whether a cut is best for slow cooking, grilling, or quick searing. This conversation is part of what makes a full-service butcher different from a supermarket counter.

Sourcing and quality questions

One advantage of a local butcher is the ability to ask where the meat comes from. Ole Timey Meats works with specific suppliers, so you can learn about the farms or producers they use, whether animals are grass-fed or grain-finished, and how fresh the meat is. If you have preferences—local sourcing, grass-fed beef, heritage breed pork—mention them when you order, and the butchers can tell you what they have or can source.

Quality varies by animal, cut, and how it's been handled. A good butcher can explain the difference between grades, why one cut is more tender than another, and how aging affects flavor. These details matter if you're buying premium meat or cooking for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order meat in advance for a party or event?

Yes. Call Ole Timey Meats with the date, the number of guests, and the cuts or quantities you need. They can reserve meat, discuss pricing, and sometimes offer catering-friendly options like pre-cut portions or bulk ground meat. Advance notice helps them source the right product and have it ready on time.

Do you process wild game?

Most full-service butchers do process deer, elk, and other game. Bring the carcass or arrange to have it delivered cold. Ask about their process, turnaround time, and any fees. Some butchers have specific seasons when they handle game, so call first.

What's the difference between a butcher shop and a supermarket meat counter?

A butcher shop cuts meat to order, sources from specific suppliers, and can handle whole-animal processing. A supermarket counter sells pre-packaged cuts and has less flexibility. Butchers also offer advice on cooking and sourcing, and can often source specialty items or unusual cuts on request.

How should I store meat I buy in bulk?

Refrigerate fresh meat and use it within a few days, or freeze it for longer storage. Ask the butchers how they've packaged the meat—vacuum-sealed meat keeps longer in the freezer than meat wrapped in butcher paper. Label packages with the cut and date so you know what you have.

Can I special-order a specific cut I can't find elsewhere?

Often yes. Describe the cut or the dish you're making, and the butchers can tell you whether they can source it or suggest an alternative. Some cuts require advance notice, especially if they're uncommon or require a specific animal.