Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Johnson
Hi Jesse , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for good food started out as a young boy watching my parents cook home cooked meals, with an innate desire to watch cooking shows instead of cartoons. I fell in love with the art and science of cooking and my passion for food only grew deeper with years of family, faith, travel and experiences.
I always knew I wanted to work in the food and beverage industry, but the stars did not align for me until much later in my journey. With my love for fitness, nutrition, and serving people I started out as a personal trainer post college while working farmers markets on the weekends. I quickly grew tired of the early mornings and late nights as I started a family and landed a job in the mortgage industry. I immediately knew moving numbers and loans was not my cup of tea and started working at a local butcher shop. I took a step of faith and quickly fell in the love with the art of butchery. It was there that my love for serving people, educating on the why behind quality food and meats from farmers who care, and crafting with my hands solidified.
Again, God was calling me to take a huge step of faith and generously brought a family member to put my vision into reality within weeks of finding out the butcher shop was closing. I was running on my favorite greenway in Bearden when I saw the old juice bar building at 4801 Kingston Pike was for lease and immediately knew that was the building I was being invited into. Invited into offering a community of common cooks and food connoisseurs the experience of butcher quality prime meets and gourmet cheeses, to encourage gathering around the table, and supporting local businesses while also importing European provisions.
Jesse’s Butcher Shop came to fruition after only months of planning but an entire life of God preparing and equipping me with the tools and gifts I needed to make this work. Only weeks before the 2023 Christmas Season, the busiest time of year in the butcher industry, we opened our doors with a whole lot of humility and passion. Fast forward to now and I am so grateful to be a part of the Knoxville community and given the opportunity to serve Knoxvillians for another Holiday Season.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As any business owner or person overcome by passion would know, you pour your heart and soul into starting up a company with many bumps along the way. Jumping in head first to finances, hiring and firing people, figuring out the best farms and local businesses to support while not skimping on the quality I believe in – there are a lot of anxious days and restless nights. I opened the doors not knowing if a single person would walk through the doors and buy into the authentic old school butcher shop experience instead of shopping at well known grocery stores. Some days I am overwhelmed by gratitude at the support and other days I am looking at my clock wondering how to get more people in to experience the magic of quality and culinary passion. I will be the first to admit I am learning every day with my employees and customers but I am stronger because of it. I want to offer a place where people feel welcome to share their expertise and journey, along with love for food and gathering around the table. At the end of the day if I can do that, I know I am where I am called to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jesse’s Butcher Shop?
At Jesse’s Butcher Shop, our mission is to curate an unparalleled culinary experience for the Knoxville community by providing the highest quality prime beef, gourmet cheeses, and expertly crafted charcuterie boards. We are committed to sourcing the finest ingredients to ensure that every cut of meat, every cheese, and every provision offered on our shelving reflects our dedication to excellence.
At the heart of our mission is a passion for celebrating the art of butchery and the craftsmanship of culinary traditions. We strive to be more than just a butcher shop; we aim to be a destination where both food enthusiasts and novel cooks discover the richness of flavor and the joy of exceptional ingredients. Our commitment to quality extends to our selection of high-quality imported dried goods and local provisions, enhancing the overall gourmet experience for our customers.
We take pride in fostering a sense of community by providing personalized service, sharing our knowledge, and promoting a love for good food. Jesse’s Butcher Shop is not just a place to shop; it is a culinary hub where customers can embark on a journey of gastronomic delight, exploring the world of prime beef, artisanal cheeses, carefully curated charcuterie, and local and imported provisions.
As stewards of culinary excellence, we prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and a commitment to supporting local producers whenever possible. Our dedication to quality extends beyond our products to the relationships we build with our customers, suppliers, and the community we serve.
In every aspect of our business, from the selection of premium ingredients to the creation of unique charcuterie boards, we aim to elevate the culinary experience, inspire creativity in the kitchen, and bring people together through the shared enjoyment of exceptional food. We believe there is so much power in gathering around the table to share a meal or setting out a charcuterie board for guests to enjoy. Join us in savoring the finest flavors, embracing culinary exploration, and creating memorable moments around the table.
Jesse’s Butcher Shop – Where Quality Meets Culinary Passion.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would have defined myself as the opposite of a risk taker before opening a business, carefully calculating my next move and trying to control many variables throughout my days. Diving into opening a family owned business head first at times I have felt like I was drowning beneath the anxiety, fear and unknown. But if I have learned anything, growth happens most during struggles and uncharted territory. I often feel like my life and family is on the line but then remind myself I am just a part of God’s plan and this business does not define who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessesbutchershop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessesbutchershop/profilecard/?igsh=ZHljcXBndTh2Znpi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552528022135&mibextid=LQQJ4d
