Established
1999
Franchise Units
28
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The New York Butcher Shoppe has carved out a premium niche in the American specialty food and retail dining space by blending old-world butcher craftsmanship with modern gourmet convenience. This is not a typical meat shop—it’s a neighborhood destination where high-quality, hand-cut meats meet chef-inspired prepared meals, curated wine selections, and a personalized customer experience that keeps guests coming back week after week.
Positioned at the intersection of specialty retail, gourmet food, and take-home dining, The New York Butcher Shoppe appeals to today’s time-pressed but quality-driven consumer. Customers visit not only for prime steaks and fresh sausages, but also for marinated proteins, ready-to-cook meals, charcuterie, and premium pantry items. The brand’s upscale yet welcoming environment allows franchisees to command strong margins while building deep community loyalty.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Premium Positioning – Operates in a high-margin specialty food category rather than price-driven quick service
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Multiple Revenue Channels – Retail meat sales, prepared meals, catering, wine, and specialty products
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Growing Consumer Trends – Demand for quality proteins, meal solutions, and local artisan food experiences
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Community-Driven Model – Strong repeat business and neighborhood loyalty
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Scalable Footprint – Efficient store sizes suitable for affluent suburban and urban markets
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Brand Consistency – Proven systems that deliver uniform quality without sacrificing craftsmanship
Background
- Established Year: 1999
- Founders: The brand was founded by entrepreneur and butcher-retail visionary Jason A. Smith, with a mission to modernize the traditional butcher shop while preserving its craftsmanship
- Brand Journey & History: What began as a single neighborhood butcher shop evolved into a recognizable premium retail brand. By combining old-school cutting techniques with contemporary retail design and ready-to-cook offerings, the company tapped into a growing demand for gourmet convenience. Franchising allowed the brand to expand while maintaining strict quality standards and brand control.
- Ownership & Structure: Privately held franchise organization headquartered in the United States
- Market Presence in the USA: The brand operates dozens of franchise locations across multiple states, with a strong concentration in high-income, food-savvy markets
- Industry Category: Specialty Food Retail / Gourmet Butcher / Prepared Meals
- Franchise Active Units (Current): 28+ locations
Support Training
The New York Butcher Shoppe offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to help owners launch confidently and scale sustainably.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Store layout, equipment planning, and design standards
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain onboarding
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Pre-opening marketing and local awareness campaigns
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food handling, merchandising, and customer experience
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Hands-on product knowledge training, including meat cuts, preparation, and presentation
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POS systems, inventory management, and pricing strategies
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Field support and operational coaching
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Standard operating procedures and quality control systems
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Ongoing product development and seasonal menu updates
Marketing & Brand Support
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National brand marketing initiatives
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Digital marketing guidance, promotions, and loyalty strategies
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee for The New York Butcher Shoppe is not necessarily a butcher, but a hands-on business owner who values quality, service, and community engagement.
Best Suited For:
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Entrepreneurs with retail, hospitality, or food-related experience
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Multi-unit operators seeking a premium, non-QSR concept
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Owner-operators who enjoy customer interaction and team leadership
Key Attributes:
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Passion for food quality and customer service
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Strong people management and operational discipline
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Ability to invest in a premium retail build-out
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Preference for suburban, affluent, or mixed-use urban locations
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | Approx. $300,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Store Size Requirement | 1,200 – 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Refrigeration | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 3 – 5 Years (market dependent) |
