The Cut Butchery Is on a Roll: From Turkeys to Tinsel-Time Treats
With flexible preorders, personal service, and everything from KellyBronze turkeys to oysters and caviar, The Cut is helping Alexandria families host the holidays with less stress and more flavor
Alexandria, VA – Things are moving at The Cut Butchery! In fact, they moved more than 100 KellyBronze turkeys for Thanksgiving, not to mention turkey breasts, beef tenderloins, and fresh hams. In the first test of the new shop’s preorder system for a major holiday, they passed. The Cut team is now heading into December with momentum and a clear mission: make holiday hosting easier, fresher, and more personal.
Owner Alex Kilroy has noticed a clear trend: Customers are choosing smaller, less time-consuming options instead of the traditional giant bird. “We’ve sold a lot of turkey breasts and a surprising number of hams,” he said. “People are opting for something that fits their schedule and their oven a little better.” The hams are a particular point of pride. Unlike mass-produced spiral-cut versions, these are whole-muscle, bone-in hams with fewer additives and processing.
One of the biggest selling points this season is the shop’s flexible preorder system. Customers can come into the shop and talk through their plans, order online through the website (www.thecutbutchery.com), or call in their requests (571-347-7775). Kilroy calls every online customer back within about 48 hours to confirm details, answer questions, and help fine-tune the order.
“It’s about service,” he said. “We know we have a great product, but the service is key. A lot of people haven’t even been in the shop yet—they’ve just heard great things. That follow-up call really matters.”
If Thanksgiving was about turkey, then December is all about festive variety. In addition to the standard holiday fare of ham and beef tenderloin, The Cut is also selling champagne and caviar for those who want to level up their celebrations. Charcuterie boards are another growing favorite. The shop already has about a half-dozen preorders for boards serving between 6 and 12 people. And there’s no shortage of items for gift-giving: pantry favorites, hostess gifts, and notecards and calendars from Carland Collections.
One of the breakout successes this fall has been oysters. After inviting a local oyster farmer to the shop, oyster sales tripled. “There was definitely a connection to who he was, his story, and the chance for people to try the oysters,” Kilroy said. The shop now has standing oyster preorders, including customers who order multiple dozens at a time—and even one regular who gets two dozen delivered to his house every week.
The shop also occasionally hosts impromptu in-store events. Neighboring Nepenthe Gallery recently curated an art show in The Cut that brought 20-30 people into the space on short notice. They put out cheese, roasted a turkey breast, and even picked up a few extra turkey orders along the way.
“You never know what’s going on in here,” Kilroy said with a laugh. “That’s kind of the fun of it.”
