A ‘staple Black business.’ Charlotte’s oldest butcher shop closing after nearly 60 years
A family-owned butcher shop in west Charlotte, and the oldest butcher shop in the city, is closing next month after 57 years. The announcement triggered an outpouring of support and laments from loyal customers as word spread Wednesday of the move.
This reaction by Sheena Harris was a typical comment on social media: “Thank you for everything this staple Black business has done for the community. Wishing everyone much success and you’ll surely be missed.”
Westside Meats at 1414 W. Trade St. will permanently close April 16, the shop announced Tuesday night on its Facebook page.
“We would like to thank all of our loyal customers, family and friends for your support and business over the years,” the post said. “It’s been a great pleasure to serve you.”
The statement did not indicate why the shop was closing, and nobody from the shop was available for comment Wednesday. Westside Meats owner Rosa Coleman and her late husband Theodore Coleman, had operated the shop for decades. Theodore Coleman died in January 2021 at age 73.
A part of life in West Charlotte
Tommie Lee “Pop” Coleman moved Westside Meats to its current spot in the 1970s, according to History South, which also said it was Charlotte’s oldest butcher shop.
Following the retirement of “Pop” Coleman, son Theodore Coleman took over the family business. Other family members help Rosa run the shop now.
Westside Meats has long been part of daily life and gatherings for cookouts and family events, said local historian Tom Hanchett.
“It’s been a local landmark and it harks back to a time when neighborhood butcher shops were a thing, and that one persisted and survived,” Hanchett said.
About Westside Meats
Westside Meats sells everything from pork chitterlings and hog heads to croaker fish and beef cow hearts. There’s also beef tripe, goat, rabbit and oxtail.
“Because of all the various nationalities that come to the store, we have to carry all kinds of meats,” Rosa Coleman said, according to a 2018 feature on the shop by the nonprofit Historic West End Partners.
“My husband was in the military, so we are in the habit of keeping the place spic-and-span,” Rosa Coleman told Historic West End Partners. ”We grind fresh hamburger meat every other day. No additives.”
Along with fresh products and a clean store, Westside Meats was known for “gifting” meat to customers until they could pay, according to Historic West End Partners. Coleman also would gift meat to employees who asked.
Rosa, who worked as a beautician next to the meat shop, worked alongside her husband for over 50 years.
She spoke of how she’d see three generations from the same family frequent the store over the decades, Historic West End Partners noted.
‘Nothing but the best meats’
Overwhelmed customers responded to the shop’s Facebook post:
“Lord No! This can’t be happening!” Jacqueline Sherrod commented on the post. “Since I moved from NYC in 2004 you all have served nothing but the best meat deals not only in the community but Charlotte as well! You all will surely be missed!”
Carolyn Robinson agreed, adding: “I am sad but God knows you have done an excellent job at serving my community. I was raised to buy my meats from Westside Meats.”
“I would drive over 30 minutes to get to your wonderful meat selection. I did this because of who you are, who owns the place, and who works in the place,” Katrina LaTrese Prather stated.
Customer reviews of the butcher shop
Several people called Westside Meats the best butcher shop in Charlotte in online Google reviews.
Others share memories of growing up shopping at Westside Meats and why they still shopped there.
“Nice people clean place love them been coming here since I moved here 10 years ago won’t go no where else,” one person said.
“Love this place since I was young watching Grandma shop and now I’m of age and as God continues to bless this entire family’s business structure. God bless them many more years of Success,” Keace Baker said in a Google business review online.
And for transplants in Charlotte, many customers said the shop reminds them of home in the Northeast, like shops in New Jersey and Philadelphia.
“West Side Meats is one of those places that instantly made me feel like I was back home, being new to Charlotte. The staff is friendly, and professional — and the oxtails are wonderful!” one customer review said.
Super staff too
Customers also said the staff make a difference.
On a bad day you can go in there and a work will say something to make you laugh, Cherie Parks said in a Google review.
“There’s one young lady in this store that makes you feel appreciated,” Barbara Clyburn wrote.
“This by far is the best meats, I have ever had,” Floyd Clontz said in an online review. “The staff and owners, welcomes everyone when they come through the door. They treat everyone like family.”
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 12:24 PM.