Hofherr Meat Co. Expands to Winnetka Train Station with Hofherr Meat Depot

Northfield’s beloved Hofherr Meat Co. is bringing its signature charm and quality to Winnetka with a new venture at the Elm Street Metra station.

During a meeting on November 19, Winnetka trustees unanimously approved a lease agreement allowing the butcher shop to open a deli and specialty store named Hofherr Meat Depot at 754 Elm Street.

Owners Sean and Arielle Hofherr plan to purchase Café Fleurette, which currently operates out of the 120-square-foot space, blending its offerings with their butcher shop staples.

The new location will feature grab-and-go favorites like bratwursts, steaks, ground beef, and prepared items such as sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and charcuterie boards.

A Community-Focused Expansion

“This was the perfect opportunity for us to expand our footprint and get closer to where a lot of our customers are,” Sean Hofherr shared during the meeting.

The Winnetka location will also function as a pick-up hub for commuters, offering the convenience of morning orders prepared at the Northfield shop and ready for evening collection.

Winnetka’s economic development coordinator, Liz Dechant, has been working since 2022 to find the right space for Hofherr Meat Co.

“When thoughts have come up to expand, it’s always been looking at who our core customer is,” Sean noted, emphasizing the importance of their Winnetka clientele.

A New Chapter for Café Fleurette

Café Fleurette, which has operated in the Metra station since 2012, has seen changes in its business model post-pandemic.

Previously open six days a week, it now functions primarily as a pre-order pickup service. Current owner John McGrath is selling the business, paving the way for Hofherr Meat Depot to take its place.

Sean Hofherr described the new shop as a “blank canvas” and is eager to adapt offerings based on community feedback. “We’re really looking at this as more or less a blank canvas from which to offer what we do well,” he explained.

With plans to open by February 2025, Hofherr Meat Depot will operate six days a week, bringing its signature blend of quality and convenience to Winnetka.

“We’re very excited for this opportunity,” Sean added, likening the expansion to dipping their toes into a new pool with aspirations to dive deeper over time.

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