5 minute read
WINDSOR MEATS
Windsor Meats is the butcher shop Stevestonites turn to for high-quality, responsibly sourced, delectable meats and poultry.
Owner and general manager Devon Kirchner says, “Our butchers and clerks have extensive product knowledge—they try the food we sell. If we don’t serve it to our families, we won’t serve it to you. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or we will replace it. We want people to have a good experience.”
Our focus is local, free-range, and family-run.
Devon adds, “We scan the country and beyond for products and partners that fit our philosophy and quality criteria.”
The business started in 1946 in West Vancouver and has grown over the years. Today, Windsor Meat’s five locations are owned by Bett Prosperi-Porta, Devon Kirchner and two other partners.
Bett purchased Windsor’s Caulfeild (West Vancouver) location in 2005 due to his frustration with the limited selection and quality of products available at conventional grocery stores. He dreamed of establishing a shop that offered incomparable products and friendly, knowledgeable service.
In 2010, Devon was fresh out of high school. She received training from Doug Freeman, one of the original owners. Devon started as a counter clerk, worked her way up to a butcher, and then became a store manager. Bett partnered with Devon Kirchner in 2022 to prepare for his retirement.
Windsor Meats purchased Heringers Meats in 2018. Over time, changes have been made to streamline the shop’s products with those of other Windsor locations.
An unexpected renovation occurred after a car backed into the store’s window last Thanksgiving weekend. Local merchants quickly assisted, which confirmed Steveston’s community-minded spirit.
Devon says, “I had not been to Steveston before we bought the store—I am originally from Vancouver Island. It is an adorable town, so quaint and cute. It has a real community feel. The merchants are friendly, with an old-school customer service mentality; it is apparent people are proud to live in the village.”
Romer Aquino is Steveston’s store manager. He was born in Richmond and has lived in the area since he was young. He was involved in the culinary industry for ten years, learning from chefs, working at Whole Foods Market as a meat cutter, and becoming a certified butcher.
Romer and the staff enjoy interacting with customers and sharing product knowledge.
“Loyal customers and tourists make our store busy every single day. Some people come in daily. We warmly welcome everyone when they come through the doors, which are always open. We learn customer’s names and try our best to remember their orders. We also learn about their lives and create intimate encounters,” he says.
Walking into Windsor Meats, you will find creative marinades, delectable meats and plenty of prepared dishes.
Each Windsor store draws from the unique influence of the neighbourhood where it is situated, and its rotating selection of products reflects and honours that uniqueness. All locations offer full butchery services.
The company believes in supporting small businesses and family-run farms across British Columbia and Canada. By working with likeminded partners, it continues to grow its business and its partners while expanding its product offerings for customers.
Windsor’s display cases are filled with meats from farming partners with engaging stories.
Windsor is proud to be the exclusive retailer of Gemstone Grass-Fed Beef. Gemstone is owned by the Doerksen family, a fourth-generation farming and ranching family from Gem, Alberta. They produce high-quality grassfinished, tender, nutrient-dense, well-marbled, and flavourful beef.
Hank’s Grass-Fed Beef raises 100% grass-fed cattle on the Hank family’s farms in British Columbia. Grass-fed beef produces healthier, simple, great-tasting, and top-quality meat. The cattle’s health and well-being are top priorities. The cattle are fed the same healthy diet year-round to ensure consistently high quality, and they also enjoy access to pasture for part of the summer.
Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want to do is cook. Windsor Meats has the solution: treat yourself to a beautifully prepared meal created by Vancouver chef Poyan Danesh, who has created a line of delicious meals that you can simply warm up and serve. In addition to the chef’s entrees, head butcher Kevin Turner and Romer create house salads and side dishes.
If you are 55 or older, mark your calendar for the second Tuesday of every month! On 55+ Day, you will receive 15% off your entire purchase.
Be sure to check out Windsor’s daily specials, which remain constant each week and offer 10% to 20% savings on the featured item.
Watch for the shop’s sidewalk barbecues twice weekly when the weather is nice (between April and September). Samples can include steak, sausage or skewers. These pop-up barbecues usually occur on Wednesday, Thursday, and the occasional weekend.
Both Devon and Romer agree that Windsor Meats creates community through food. Romer says, “We create genuine relationships through food.” Devon adds, “We all love food— we have a passion for it.”
Windsor Meats
12251 No. 1 Road, #190, Richmond BC V7E 1T6
Phone 604-274-6328
www.windsormeats.com
Story by Sarah Gordon (Sept 2024) @PALLAMEDIA
