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Meet Michael
YOUR COMMUNITY BUTCHER
The Butcher Shop at Community Market is in good hands, and a sharp set of them belongs to Michael, our head butcher. Since joining us, he has brought fresh energy, exceptional skill, and a commitment to quality that has made our counter better than ever. Michael’s path to butchery was not a straight line. He studied film in college and worked in Hollywood before returning home to Sonoma County. In 2002, he stepped behind the counter at the Whole Foods meat department in San Rafael and discovered a craft he would spend decades perfecting.
From large grocery operations to intimate neighborhood butcher shops, Michael has learned his trade from every angle. He approaches each cut with precision and care, grounded in a deep respect for the animals and the farmers who raise them. His commitment to humanely raised and sustainably sourced meat and seafood mirrors our own values, ensuring that what you take home is not only delicious but responsibly produced.
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If you stop by the counter, you will find Michael ready to answer your questions, share cooking tips, and help you choose the perfect cut for your table.
Michael, Head of The Butcher Shop
“I came to Community Market because it reminded me of those early days, you know there's a small and close knit family feeling which is great. Yeah I really like it here.”
— Michael
Standards and Sourcing
FROM FARM TO COUNTER, OUR FOCUS IS ON QUALITY, CARE, AND YOUR TRUST
We work with partners who raise animals humanely and harvest seafood responsibly.
Here’s how that commitment shows up in our case.
MSC Certified Seafood
We source only MSC-certified green items from wild fisheries that are responsibly managed for long-term sustainability and fully traceable from ocean to counter.
Animal Welfare Certified
We source only Global Animal Partnership Step 4 or higher, ensuring animals are humanely raised and treated with care from start to finish.
MSC Certified Seafood
We seek out producers who meet Certified Humane standards, ensuring animals are treated with care through humane feed, housing, handling, and transport.
Better Chicken Project
We exclusively offer Mary’s Heirloom Chickens, raised under the Better Chicken Project’s higher-welfare standards for better health, humane treatment, and exceptional quality.
Local First
Whenever possible, we source from local and regional producers to keep our supply chains short and transparent. Working close to home allows us to know our producers personally, ensure high standards for quality and care, and bring you the freshest products with the least distance traveled.
We Welcome Requests
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve sourced all kinds of products to meet our customers’ needs. I love the challenge of finding exactly what someone is looking for, whether it’s a special cut or something new to try. I welcome anyone to stop by the counter and chat with me about what they’re looking for, chances are I can get it for you.”
- Michael
Michael is serious about knowing where our meat and seafood comes from, and making sure it meets the store’s values, because they are his own.
“We carry Mary’s heirloom birds. They are slow growth and raised on pasture. No hormones, no antibiotics, no preservatives. We’ve got grass-fed, as well as grain-finished beef for customers who want variety in price and flavor. We work with local sources like Sonoma County Meat company, Vanderose for pork, and Hobbs for cured meats. Our seafood comes through Four Star and is always MSC-certified green, which means it’s harvested in a way that protects ocean ecosystems. We also have Animal Welfare Certified and Certified Humane meats, so you can trust the process from start to finish.”
- Michael
Farms and Makers We Feature
FROM FARM TO COUNTER, OUR FOCUS IS ON QUALITY, CARE, AND YOUR TRUST
A quick look at some of the names you will see in our case.
Mary's Chicken
Based in Sanger, CA, Mary’s raises slow-growing heirloom birds on pasture with no antibiotics or added hormones. Fed a vegetarian diet, their chickens meet higher-welfare standards for exceptional quality and flavor.
Sonoma County Meat Co.
Santa Rosa-based USDA butcher shop and processor, specializing in locally raised, grass-fed, and pasture-raised meats. Known for careful processing and sourcing from trusted local ranchers to provide high-quality cuts with full traceability from farm to counter.
Hobb's
Richmond-based with deep Bay Area and Northern California roots, Hobbs crafts premium bacon, ham, sausage, guanciale, and pancetta using time-honored methods and a dedication to quality.
Four Star Seafood
Four Star works directly with small-boat fishermen and coastal producers to bring pristine, responsibly harvested seafood to the Bay Area. Their close relationships with local and regional fisheries ensure freshness, transparency, and full traceability.
Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge Ranch in Calistoga, is known for its pasture-raised beef, raised on open grasslands. The ranch prioritizes humane handling, sustainable land management, and natural grazing practices that result in flavorful, high-quality meat you can feel good about serving.
Stony Point Farms
Located in Santa Rosa, Stony Point Farms is a family-run operation producing fresh, high-quality eggs and seasonal produce. They use sustainable practices that nurture the soil, care for their hens, and protect biodiversity.
"I have local ranchers come up to the counter all the time and it’s great to be able to know exactly where the meat we carry is coming from.”
- Michael
The Butcher Shop case isn’t just meat in trays. It’s a mix of thoughtful sourcing, seasonal specials, and a lot of house-made love.
We make our sausages in-house with fresh herbs and ingredients. If it calls for garlic, we’re peeling and chopping it. Our sausage is really a step above anyone in the area.​
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