New Des Moines Butcher Shop Delivers Local Meats and In-House Salami

Des Moines just got a fresh new option for meat lovers — The Good Butcher, a shop offering locally sourced meats and house-made salami. Nestled between HomeGrown and Big Grove Brewery, this butcher shop brings a new level of craftsmanship and quality to the area.

Owned by Calvin Schnucker, formerly the head butcher at Old Station Craft Meats, The Good Butcher specializes in dry-aging meats and whole-animal butchery.

The back of the shop houses a cooler already stocked with four pigs and half a side of beef from Guthrie County Quality Meats, emphasizing its dedication to supporting local farmers.

Schnucker proudly highlights the shop’s connection to the local community, saying, “When people shop with us, they’re supporting us, local farmers, and families in Guthrie County.”

The meat counter offers an array of cuts, from tomahawks to tenderloins, with a side cooler for spare ribs and chops, all vacuum-sealed for freshness.

The pork comes from Kerns Farms/Mangalitsa Estates in Clearfield, Iowa, and Upper Iowa Beef in Lime Springs supplies the beef.

The Good Butcher is also the only licensed butcher shop in Iowa producing dry-cured meats. Customers can witness the process, from raw meat to salami, which undergoes fermentation, aging, and curing in a controlled environment to ensure the best flavors.

The salami options, like soppressata and salumi vino, age from 28 to 120 days.

Besides meats, the shop offers sides crafted by Chef Terry Boston, pre-marinated steaks, jerky, rubs, and local honey. It’s also taking Thanksgiving turkey orders and will have smoked prime rib available for Christmas.

Located at 555 17th St., The Good Butcher is open Tuesday to Sunday, making it easy for locals to stop by and grab something fresh and delicious.

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