Westphalia Meat Market

Owner Pat Rabroker has stuck with throwback basics for the second Central Texas location of the Westphalia Meat Market. The original location in Lott—a town of about 700 residents located 90 miles north of Austin—has been in Rabroker's family since 1963, and little has changed in the way Rabroker prioritizes quality and freshness over quality or speed.

The Hutto location opened Dec. 15, out of sheer practicality. Rabroker runs a meat delivery service out of the Lott location; his meats routinely find their way into restaurants and shops in various Central Texas locations.

Three glass cases form the main focal point of the market, filled with rib eye steaks, chuck roasts, T-bone steaks, ground beef, ribs, pork chops and more. And when it comes to what meats make it into the store's displays, Rabroker doesn't cut corners.

"It's all about the quality," he said. "I focus on that more than anything else."

One modern business philosophy Rabroker won't give in to is the notion of bulk purchasing to drive customer traffic. At both Westphalia Meat Markets, he focuses on featuring quality cuts of meat for shoppers.

"We try and keep a limited number (of meats), so we can always keep the freshness up," Rabroker said. "I'm always in here, telling (staff) to look closely at them. I'm worried more about quality than anything else."

Rabroker said the shop appeals to all types of customers, from shoppers looking for meats for simple meals, to amateur home chefs seeking out unique cuts. The allure of a traditional butcher is also drawing regular customers from nearby cities.

Herzog, who has worked in the store since it opened, said customers want more locally owned options.

"That's what they say, every time they come in," she said. "They say they won't go back to (big-box) stores."

As for new customers who stop in their tracks on the way in, Herzog has one solid recommendation.

"Head over to the meat counter," she said. "We'll take care of everything you need."

Westphalia Meat Market, 409 W. Front St., Ste. 206, Hutto