About Help Save the Butchers

Help Save the Butchers began with a simple idea: customers should understand the value of having real butchers in their supermarket.

Why we exist

We believe the best solution is a win-win. Customers should get knowledgeable service, honest value, meat cut to fit their needs and practical ways to make their food dollar go further. A real butcher should help customers buy better, use what they buy and get the cuts their family actually wants.

When better cutting, smarter buying and less waste let the butcher operate more efficiently, those savings should be passed along to the customer. The butcher shop earns trust and repeat business; the customer gets better value and better service.

Started in 2000

Bob Buonomano has documented the beginning of HSTB as 2000. The program was created to help independent retailers preserve butcher knowledge and provide the service customers still wanted and deserved.

Built in a real supermarket

The lessons came from cutting meat, serving customers, training employees, building sales, running promotions and trying to give shoppers a reason to recognize the meat department as something different.

Not about saving jobs

“Help Save the Butchers is not about saving jobs. It's about saving the quality and service our customers deserve.”

Consumer education

Videos, articles and educational material helped customers understand meat and know what to ask at the counter.

Retailer education

The program also developed a retailer side covering employees, merchandising, control cutting, service atmosphere, sales formats and creating a recognizable identity.

The idea continues

Today, the HSTB philosophy continues through Bob's Butcher & Basket.