Arroyo Grande Meat Company

The quaint Village of Arroyo Grande is well-known for the many little businesses that dot Branch Street and its off-shoots. There is one business in particular that my family holds near and dear to our hearts — the Arroyo Grande Meat Company owned by Henry & Julie Gonzalez.  We frequent this business many times throughout the year.

A historic butcher shop, Arroyo Grande Meat Company has been continuously open since 1897.  Built by Pete Olahan, the shop was opened by Matt Swall that same year.  Other notable owners were the Wilkinson Family from 1924-1959, the Hizey Family from 1959-1989 and currently the Gonzalez family since 1992.  All the families have continued the tradition of custom butchering the old-fashioned way.

Arroyo Grande Meat Company
120 E Branch
Arroyo Grande, CA
805-489-2693
www.agmeatcompany.com

Their house-made sausages are free of fillers, nitrates and chemicals, made with all natural ingredients and packed full of flavor. The lengthy list of varieties include Apple Blackberry, Chorizo (Beef & Pork), Elk, Bratwurst, British Bangers, Cajun, Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese and my absolute favorite is Andouille.

Also not to be missed are their house-made beef jerky made naturally with no chemicals — other jerky’s will never taste the same after trying Arroyo Grande Meat Company’s. Our kids know to look for packets of their jerky in their Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings each year.

And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, don’t forget to get your order in for fresh Diestel Turkey! One year my husband and I each ordered one by accident. No complaint from us.  We just enjoyed two turkeys that year, one roasted in the oven and the other smoked in our smoker.

Our Christmas dinner each year is adorned with a fresh cut prime rib from Arroyo Grande Meat Company.  My husband calls Henry with specifications on how he likes our prime rib dressed — just like your mom used to do — and with the care and consideration of a skilled artisan. I can’t wait to pick it up each year for Brad to prepare!