THE BUTCHERY OPENS WITH CRAFT MEATS & OLD-SCHOOL CHARM IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
Meet Robert Hagopian & Brian Smith
Robert Hagopian (left) and Brian Smith (right)
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN THE BUTCHERY IN MANHATTAN BEACH, AND HOW DOES THIS LOCATION REFLECT YOUR OVERALL BRAND VISION AND COMMITMENT TO QUALITY?
A: The Butchery began as a passion project between Robert and me after struggling to find high-quality meat in Southern California. I grew up near Boston, where neighborhood butcher shops were still part of everyday life, and I knew that level of craftsmanship and personal service could exist here, too. When we first launched The Butchery, it was to offer something better: premium meats, expert service, and an experience that goes beyond the transaction. Expanding into Manhattan Beach has been a longtime goal for both of us, and we knew we’d found the right fit when we discovered this location. The community’s appreciation for great food and genuine connection aligns perfectly with our values. Just like in our Orange County and San Diego locations, everything in our case is selected for quality and taste because we believe exceptional meals start with exceptional ingredients. Manhattan Beach allows us to continue building a true neighborhood butcher shop, where trust and quality are at the center of everything we do.
Q: AS CONSUMER PREFERENCES EVOLVE TOWARD GRASS-FED, ORGANIC, AND LOCALLY SOURCED MEATS, HOW DO YOU ADAPT YOUR INVENTORY WHILE MAINTAINING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH RANCHERS AND SUPPLIERS?
A: We’re constantly listening to our customers, our team, and our partners so that we can offer a selection that reflects both evolving tastes and the standards we stand by. While there is a growing demand for grass-fed, organic, and locally sourced meats – all of which we carry – we don’t simply chase trends. Instead, we work closely with a select group of ranchers whose practices we know and trust. Many of these relationships have lasted over a decade, and that consistency shows in the quality of what we offer. We take the time to visit the ranches we source from, observing first hand everything from animal welfare to feeding programs to general ranching practices. Ethical and humane care is a must, but equally important is how the product performs. We won’t bring in a new item unless it meets our standards for flavor, texture, and consistency. That balance of listening to what customers are looking for while never compromising on what makes a truly great cut of meat is key. At the same time, we stay flexible. If a customer is looking for something we don’t typically carry, or wants a particular product raised or processed in a certain way, we’ll do everything we can to make that happen. We’re proud to offer custom orders and personalized prep, whether that’s sourcing marrow bones for soup or fulfilling a special request for grass-finished cuts. Ultimately, our loyalty to our ranchers is matched by our loyalty to our customers. We’re not just selling meat, we’re building trust. And when a customer keeps coming back asking for the same butcher or associate, we know we’ve struck the right balance between consistency and adaptability.
Q: WHAT IS ONE CUT OF MEAT OR SPECIALTY ITEM THAT CONSISTENTLY SURPRISES CUSTOMERS, AND WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND HOW YOU CHOSE TO OFFER IT?
A: Skirt steak is one of those cuts that continues to surprise people, especially once they’ve tried the right kind. It’s packed with flavor, quick to cook, and incredibly versatile, but what most customers don’t realize is that there are actually two kinds: inside and outside skirt. The difference between them is huge in terms of both texture and taste, but many places don’t distinguish and just label it all as “skirt steak.” We only carry outside skirt steak because it’s hands-down the superior cut for grilling or searing. It’s more tender, more marbled, and holds a marinade beautifully. We took the time to test it ourselves and knew immediately it was something we wanted to offer regularly. Now it’s a customer favorite, with many people returning just for that specific cut. It’s a great example of how a little education and the right sourcing can completely change someone’s experience in the kitchen. We love being able to introduce people to cuts they may have overlooked and show them how exceptional they can be when done right.
Q: BEYOND THE MEATS, THE BUTCHERY OFFERS A CURATED SELECTION OF WINE, CRAFT BEER, AND GOURMET GROCERY ITEMS. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT COMPLEMENTS YOUR CORE OFFERINGS AND ENHANCES THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE?
A: While Robert and I are laser-focused on sourcing the highest-quality meats, I personally take the lead in curating our grocery selection, from pastas and sauces to marinades, condiments, and snacks. We prioritize emerging brands and hard-to-find items that align with our values: great ingredients, thoughtful production, and real flavor. The goal is to stock products we’d use in our own kitchens, to complement what’s in the meat case and help customers find everything to pull together a full meal in one place. When it comes to wine and beer, we trust the experts. Our wine buyer has an exceptional palate and focuses on bottles that pair beautifully with meats, cheeses, and charcuterie, while delivering great value at every price point. Beer is highly regional, so we’ve placed knowledgeable beer buyers in each of our stores to stay connected to local brewing scenes and keep our selection fresh, relevant, and exciting. Across the board, our goal is the same: to create a seamless, elevated shopping experience where quality and taste lead the way.
Q: IN A TIME WHEN MANY PEOPLE RELY ON BIG-BOX GROCERS AND DELIVERY APPS, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE KEEPS YOUR CUSTOMERS COMING BACK, AND HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO FOSTER THAT LOYALTY?
A: Our customers come back because we offer something they can’t get anywhere else: a true, personal connection and a commitment to meeting their exact needs, no matter how specific. Whether it’s spatchcocking, tying a roast, cutting custom steaks, or sourcing rare ingredients like grass-finished marrow bones or veal for pâté, we’re here to say “yes” to what our customers need. We’ve even tied a bone-in loin back together after slicing it into steaks, something we’d never seen before, but were glad to make happen. But it’s not just about custom cuts, it’s also about education. Our butchers are here to guide, teach, and inspire. Whether someone is new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, we take the time to explain where the product comes from, how best to prepare it, and what will make it shine on the plate. We believe that kind of knowledge empowers people in the kitchen and builds lasting trust. That trust is what sets us apart. Our customers know we won’t put anything in our case or on our shelves unless we believe in it and know it will perform. We don’t run sales because we’re not here to move products we wouldn’t use ourselves. Instead, we focus on consistency, transparency, and quality. The loyalty we’ve built is humbling. It’s not uncommon for someone to stop us in the store just to say thank you for being here and doing what we do. That kind of feedback is what keeps us going. Our community is the heartbeat of our business and we’re proud to know so many of our customers by name.
www.ButcheryMeats.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Valerio, waiter at Nando Trattoria.
MANHATTAN BEACH FOOD & WINE:
The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Returns
Friday, September 12th & Saturday, September 13th, 2025!
PRE-SALE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
www.ManhattanBeachFoodAndWine.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
10% Ready to Trade Half a Decade for a Billionaire’s Fantasy
In a stunning revelation from our MB Weekly Reader Poll, 10% of respondents are prepared to make an audacious trade: sacrificing five years of their lives in exchange for the opulent existence of a billionaire. The poll sheds light on the intriguing choices people are willing to contemplate in pursuing unimaginable wealth. The data suggests a willingness to embrace extreme measures for a taste of affluence, raising questions about societal aspirations and the allure of the billionaire lifestyle. As the debate ignites over the value of time versus the promise of opulence, it’s clear that a fraction of the population is daring enough to make such a bold bargain. The implications for societal values and personal aspirations are bound to spark conversations about the lengths individuals are willing to go to chase their dreams.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
BE THE TALK OF THE TOWN!
TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS – ADVERTISE IN MB WEEKLY
88% of locals shop and spend locally. For as little as $100, reach your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
An Extraordinary Bargain with No Wasted Audience:
- Local, young, and affluent.
- 68% of our readers are under 50 years old.
- $128,000 average annual income.
For additional information, contact:
MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOU PREFER TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH BEFORE OR AFTER BREAKFAST?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your reply, anonymously if you choose, to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** Mahalo, Fred Taylor, for taking the time to point out another “common sense” change. Yes, I agree, clean up that crosswalk! I have no beef with anyone who is gay, I don’t care what gender turns you on…but a flag? Where’s my heterosexual flag? I want to fly it for our Heterosexual Pride month. Our poor vets get only 1 day, but the gay community gets a month? Oops, there went the common sense out the window again. —- Tani Golden
2. ** Paul Wafer’s tireless work exposing Manhattan Beach’s wild spending deserves praise. Relentless in telling a story the City wants ignored, he’s shown courage and persistence. Though the ending may not be happy, his dedication to truth and transparency is a vital public service. —- Name Withheld by Request
3. ** Bella Builders – A local builder: Call Vinny – 310-809-4999
4. ** Congratulations to MB Weekly readers for busting Chick-fil-A El Segundo’s sneaky $1.00 water charge scheme. Charging for a tiny cup of water without telling customers? Outrageous. Glad they killed this nonsense – but all credit to the many readers who spoke up and forced this B.S. to stop. —- Dawn M., El Segundo
5. ** I love Mercado. —- Reese C.
6. ** I like The NOW Massage in El Segundo – relaxing vibe, friendly staff. But the prices? Outrageously expensive. And the tip recommendations? Wow! You’d think they were saving your life, not rubbing your shoulders. Good experience, sure, but my wallet needed a massage after seeing that bill. —- Ashley H., El Segundo
7. ** Fairness means equal opportunity, NOT guaranteed results. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Let me see if I understand this correctly. If I am opposed to the City spending $50,000 on rainbow sidewalks, I am homophobic. Right? —- Claire T.
9. ** MB Weekly … is for free thinkers with a brain.
10. ** I strongly agree with Fred Taylor’s commentary in MB Weekly: How can Manhattan Beach justify spending $50,000 to paint rainbows on a downtown intersection? Our crosswalks should be for safety, not political statements. Tax dollars deserve better priorities. No political messages in crosswalks – period! —- Dr. W.H.
11. ** Former Torrance USPS worker Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, pleaded guilty to stealing checks, IDs, and bank cards over a three-year period. In custody since July 1, she faces up to 30 years in federal prison at her Oct. 27 sentencing, authorities said. —- Editor’s Note
12. ** Hello neighbors, I do rides to and from LAX airport. My prices will not be beaten. Have an elder mom or dad who needs to go to the doctor while you’re at work? I’m your guy. Kenny is my name 310 686-2257 (24 Hrs)
13. ** Federal prosecutors say Nick Elias Gutierrez, 20, of Hawthorne, faces charges of assaulting a federal officer and causing bodily injury during last month’s immigration protest in Downtown L.A. Authorities say the incident left the officer injured. —- Editor’s Note
14. ** Let’s all hope Mayor Lesser is more frugal with our money. —- T.T., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Timeleft – A unique app that pairs you with like-minded strangers for Wednesday evening dinner plans. https://timeleft.com/
16. ** Can we tell YOUR story to the modern world? —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
17. ** The new Breadhead in downtown Manhattan Beach – $29.00 tuna sandwich. No joke! —- Ailis B.
18. ** I would love to recommend the person who has been my right hand for more than 20 years. She has been my babysitter since my boys were weeks old. Now, they are 18 and 20, and unfortunately, I’m moving out of California for college with one of my sons. When my children grew up, she helped me with everything personal, groceries, cooking, shopping, and cleaning. Marina: (323) 687-3376 is a very trustworthy and very responsible person. Any questions, please get in touch with my assistant, Eliz: (818) 463-6343. —- Linda Sanders, Manhattan Beach
19. ** We are deeply saddened by the closing of The Pitcher House/Upper Deck. The Mance Family’s warmth and hospitality made every visit memorable. Thank you for the years of kindness, community, and good times – you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will live on in South Bay hearts. —- Tate H., Hermosa Beach
20. ** A beloved Hermosa Beach dive bar is back. The Deck, long known as the Poop Deck, reopened last month under Kathy Bonafede, cofounder of Uncorked. She bought it in 2014 to preserve its legacy, but COVID-19 and a rent hike shuttered it in 2021. —- Editor’s Note
21. ** I love Wendy’s Place – a classic old-school American diner in El Segundo. It’s the very essence of small-town America, nestled in the heart of one of the South Bay’s most quintessential communities, serving up warmth, charm, and hearty comfort food that feels like home. —- Larry K., El Segundo
22. ** Does taking the stairs add more to the average lifespan than falling down stairs subtracts? —- Loni T.
23. ** D.E.I. [Didn’t Earn It] is discriminatory on its face. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach
24. ** I am sorry, but I see NOTHING the City of Manhattan Beach has done to address our growing, serious coyote problem. Just talk… talk… talk… talk… talk! Meanwhile, coyotes roam freely, threatening pets and peace of mind. —- Tiffany H., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Good luck, Mayor Lesser! —- Benjamin A., Manhattan Beach
Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.