All in the family

Brown's Butcher Shop owner Bill Brown (right) and employees Maxine Wall and Sandy Bullocks stock meat in the store's refrigerated display. "Like father, like son" is a common theme in many American households, but the statement rings true for the Brown family, where meat is a family enterprise.

"It's something I saw my grandfather do, and my father also did it most of his life," said Brown's Butcher Shop owner Billy Brown. "For me and my brothers, this is all we knew."

His grandfather, H.S. Brown, turned a dream into a reality by opening a meat shop on Limestone Street in 1938. Known for its fresh meats and friendly atmosphere, the shop would become a popular place for local residents to pick up items destined for their dinner plates.

Now 70 years later, Brown's Butcher Shop, now on Floyd Baker Boulevard, remains a "fan favorite." Though many things have changed, Brown said one thing has stayed the same — great customer service.

"If customers leave here happy, there's a good chance they will come back," Brown said. "Through the years we've been fortunate to have people that return all the time."

Brown operated his own butcher shop in Blacksburg before deciding to take on the family venture over a decade ago. Following the path of his father and grandfather, he is the third generation owner of the meat store.

"All of us have loved serving the people of Gaffney," Brown said. "We answer all questions, whether it be about the meat or how to cook it."

Brown guarantees the best meat available.

"I always strive for the best, but you know this is not a discount store," Brown said.

A number of local stores sell products from Brown's. For a number of years, the butcher shop also donated sausages to the annual pancake supper hosted by the Gaffney Kiwanis Club.

"It's something we take pride in," Brown said. "This is a piece of history."

For employees, working at the shop is like being at home.

"It's like family," said Brown's Butcher Shop's Sandy Bullock. "I originally worked with him at his other store in Blacksburg. After taking off for a month I decided to come back, and never left."

Waking up every morning to run the shop is something Brown loves to do.

"I just love it," Brown said, "There is nothing else I would rather do."