# The Country Butcher: A Holiday Tradition in Tolland, Connecticut

A Family Affair

For nearly 40 years, Stephen Boyer has been running his family-owned business, The Country Butcher, in Tolland, Connecticut. As the holiday season approaches, Boyer expects a surge in customers flocking to his store, seeking traditional and festive foods to complement their celebrations.

"It's about 20-25% of our business that comes during the holidays," Boyer notes, highlighting the critical role this time of year plays in the livelihood of his family-owned butcher shop.

A Tradition Rooted in Community

Boyer attributes The Country Butcher's success to its strong connection with the local community. For years, the store has provided more than just meat products; it has become a gathering place for families and friends to come together, share stories, and exchange gifts.

"We're not just a butcher shop," Boyer says. "We're part of the fabric of this town. We've been here for over 40 years, and we've seen generations grow up. People have brought their children here when they were young, now they bring their own kids."

Holiday Favorites

During the holiday season, The Country Butcher's offerings are centered around traditional favorites, such as roasted turkeys, ham bones, and homemade sausages. Boyer sources his ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible to maintain the highest quality standards.

"We source our products directly from farmers whenever we can," Boyer explains. "That way, we know exactly what we're getting, and it's always fresh."

Customer Loyalty

Boyer attributes The Country Butcher's loyal customer base to its personal touch and dedication to using high-quality ingredients. For many customers, the butcher shop has become an integral part of their holiday traditions.

"We've had customers come in here for years," Boyer notes. "They bring their children when they were young, now they bring their own kids. We know them by name, and they know us."

Preparation is Key

To ensure that his store is well-stocked during the busiest time of year, Boyer relies on careful planning and preparation. He works closely with suppliers to secure advance orders for popular items, such as holiday ham bones.

"We order our products weeks in advance," Boyer says. "That way, we're guaranteed to have what we need when customers come in looking for specific items."

Community Events

To further engage with the community during the holidays, The Country Butcher hosts various events and activities. These include holiday cooking demonstrations, sausage-making workshops, and special discounts for local farmers' markets.

"We want to make sure that our customers feel included," Boyer explains. "We're not just a butcher shop; we're part of this town's fabric. We want to be involved in the community."

A Commitment to Tradition

For Boyer, The Country Butcher is more than just a business – it's a way of life. As he prepares for another busy holiday season, he remains committed to maintaining his store's legacy and tradition.

"We're proud of what we do," Boyer says. "We've built this business on the principles of hard work, family values, and community involvement. We'll keep doing things the same way, because that's what our customers expect from us."

Conclusion

As the holiday season approaches, The Country Butcher is gearing up for a busy few weeks. For nearly 40 years, Stephen Boyer has been running his family-owned butcher shop with dedication and passion. From its strong connection to the local community to its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, The Country Butcher has become an integral part of Tolland's holiday traditions.

With careful planning, preparation, and a focus on customer loyalty, Boyer is confident that his store will continue to thrive during the busiest time of year. For customers looking for a traditional shopping experience with a personal touch, The Country Butcher remains an excellent choice.

Statistics

• 40+ years: Stephen Boyer has been running The Country Butcher in Tolland, Connecticut.
• 20-25%: This is the approximate percentage of business that comes during the holiday season for The Country Butcher.
• Local sourcing: The Country Butcher sources ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible to maintain high-quality standards.
• Customer loyalty: Loyal customers have made The Country Butcher an integral part of their holiday traditions, bringing their children and grandchildren to the store over the years.

Key Takeaways

1. Community involvement is key: The Country Butcher has built its business on strong connections with the local community.
2. Quality ingredients are essential: Boyer sources high-quality ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible.
3. Preparation is critical: Careful planning and preparation help ensure that The Country Butcher remains well-stocked during the busiest time of year.
4. Customer loyalty is rewarded: Loyal customers have made The Country Butcher an integral part of their holiday traditions.

The Future of The Country Butcher

As Boyer looks to the future, he is committed to maintaining his store's legacy and tradition.

"We'll keep doing things the same way," he says. "That's what our customers expect from us."