New Buster’s Butcher has sides, soup, sauces, condiments, oils, spices, rubs — and, yes, a lot of meats

By Chris Herrington – Daily Memphian

August 28, 2023

Buster’s Butcher has opened in a former Subway location in the University District, offering a wide range of meats and prepared foods.

The shop carries rib-eyes, T-bones, filets, tomahawks, Kansas City strips, whole chickens, rabbits, ducks, veal shanks, boudin-stuffed quail, confit duck legs, bison, and elk. It also offers house-prepared cold cuts, sausages, burgers, meatballs, and a dry-aged selection.

Located next to Buster’s Liquors & Wines in the University Center shopping complex at Poplar Avenue and Highland Street, the 2,200-square-foot store focuses on high-quality, cut-to-order meats. Much of the sourcing comes from Home Place Pastures in Como, Mississippi, and Creekstone Farms in Kansas.

The shop is run by Brad McCarley, formerly of Salt | Soy and Porcellino’s. He curates the selection of meats, spices, and cookbooks, aiming to stock items suited for both restaurant and home kitchens.

Some offerings carry over from McCarley’s previous ventures, including house chili crunch, a Spicy Italian sandwich, and burger blends. The store also emphasizes a more focused operation compared to his past projects.

Buster’s offers grab-and-go sandwiches—Spicy Italian, roast beef, jambon-beurre, and turkey croissant—but does not make sandwiches to order or provide dine-in seating.

In addition to meats, the shop features prepared foods such as steakhouse-style sides, pasta sauces, soups, gravies, dressings, spice rubs, and compound butters. It also stocks local and specialty items like pimento cheese, barbecue sauces, spices, and condiments.

Prices vary widely, with premium items like elk ribeye and foie gras at higher price points, while house-ground meats and prepared foods are more moderately priced.

Buster’s Butcher is located at 199 S. Highland St. and is open daily.