Blake Jackson is living his dream as the owner of Homestead Butchery in Wymore.
Recently opened, Blake said he has been working as a butcher most of the time since he graduated from Southern High School.
“I was born and raised here in Wymore,” he said. “I worked for like four months as a mechanic, but that didn’t work out. I got a job at Pickrell Locker and pretty much fell in love with the career path. I love doing this and think everybody should be able to love what they do, if they can. I’m literally living my dream.”
Blake said there is pride that comes with preparing a good product.
“There’s no better feeling than somebody saying 'Man, this is some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life.' I’m not boasting or whatever, but I make some pretty good products. I just like making people happy,” he said.
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When the previous owner closed his operation last year due to health issues, Blake started talking about buying it.
“One of my friends that I’ve known for pretty much my entire life, his dad, Bruce Dunn, agreed to buy it and sell it to me. I was able to buy the equipment that was here and it was really a turnkey operation,” he said.
Blake said the community has been supportive.
“After I got my license, we were able to open, and I put up a couple of Facebook posts about what we had and we pretty much sold out the first couple of days,” he said.
He plans to offer full custom processing of beef and pork working with the owners to make the preferred cuts. He said he would more than likely do deer processing but would have to put limits on the number he would take in the fall.
While he hasn’t completed the USDA inspection process, Blake is able to offer snack sticks, jerky and smoked meats including bacon, brisket and pulled pork. They will offer a counter for customers for fresh cuts and ground meats in the near future. Currently, customers can call orders in or stop at the shop at 418 N. Fifth St. in Wymore.
The three-story building has a long history in Wymore. Blake said he thought he heard it had been an electrical house for the entire town. His long-term goals include constructing a new building specifically for the business. He also hopes to become USDA certified and get his product out all over the United States.
While he does not currently have staff, his wife, Alicia, helps at the shop when she is able but is also helping with the business aspect. Blake’s brother and a friend are also helping when they’re available.
“I’m here for support,” Alicia said.
The business is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Follow Homestead Butchery on Facebook for specials. Call 402-645-9026 for more information on prices.
