Woodstock Butcher Shop supplies city with high quality meats

Kevin and Helen Cooper own and operate K and H Meats in Woodstock. The couple are seen here at the recent Sip and Sample event held in the city. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Woodstock has been without a butcher shop for several years, but that hole has been filled by K and H Meats. The operation is owned and operated by Kevin and Helen Cooper, hence the name K and H.

“It all started when our kids collectively bought me a small electric smoker for Father's Day several years ago. After using it for some time, I realized I was hooked on smoking. Everything from meat to fish to eggs,” explained

Kevin‘s love of the art of smoking only increased once his tool of the trade was upgraded.

“It was in the summer of 2020 when my wife surprised me with a new pellet smoker that was much bigger than the small electric one. From there, my passion for smoking grew and grew and grew. Sunday's dinner usually meant something smoked on the smoker, and brisket or spare ribs were big hits.”

The couple stopped at a butcher shop just outside of Toronto in the fall of 2023, and that’s when the idea hit them both.

“Helen and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, we should open a butcher shop. It was a light bulb moment for both of us! It was then we started looking for a location. We first visited 285 Queen Street, our current location, in January of 2024 and decided the building was big enough to house our construction company (Coops Construction) and a retail space for a butcher shop,” said Kevin.

From there, the couple began planning K and H Meats.

“The interior of the building was in poor condition and needed a lot of work. Luckily, I knew the right company for the job - Coops Construction. The building was occupied at the time and wouldn’t be vacant until June. The renovations started then and took four months to complete.”

The top goal of the business is to purchase from local suppliers whenever possible.

“We strive to buy all our meats and products from local companies like Norpac Beef, Norfolk Packers, Poultry Specialties, Great Canadian Honey, Big Stooley's sauces and Miners Maple products, which is a family relative from Kemble, Ontario.”

Keven added all their beef is grass fed during the spring, summer and autumn months and fed a diet of dried grasses through the winter months, which makes it true to its form and produces the best beef available in Ontario.

K and H Meats opened on October 1 of 2024 and offer fresh cuts of meat along with custom flavored pork sausages and some frozen items like vegetables, French fries and chicken fingers.

“We also have hot lunches available Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pulled brisket on a bun or pulled pork on a bun with a side of smoked mac and cheese. $12.00 for the brisket and $10.00 for the pork. The response to the hot lunches has been extremely great and we are seeing many regulars week after week. Both Helen and I have our food handlers certificate and our store is health board approved,” he added.

They have also added a new item to the lunch menu. The beef melt has thinly sliced roast beef on a brioche bun topped with Cheddar cheese. Two sell for $12.00.

While some family-run businesses can pose challenges, Kevin explained he and his wife have found a way to keep out of each other’s way.

“Helen and I run the store together as a well-oiled machine. She's in charge of the front of the house ( the retail area) and I am in charge of the back of the house, butchering and smoking the meat. As long as we stay in our lanes, there will be no divorce,” he joked.

Helen explained the pair are committed to the city and have deep roots in it.

“We are both born and raised in Woodstock and have a love for our community. Kevin has owned and operated Coops Construction for over 30 years. I have over 10 years working in the food industry and bring customer service experience.

“Follow us on Facebook or stop by the store and say hello,” she added.

The store is located at 285 Queen Street in Woodstock.