Why this Columbus butcher shop & eatery is being sold. What’s next for the popular place

Rumors circulated online about Burt’s Butcher Shoppe & Eatery supposedly closing. But management confirmed to the Ledger-Enquirer that this popular Columbus place for meats is staying open.

The shop’s owner, Burt Stacey, is retiring after three decades of running his family business. The establishment at 2932 Warm Springs Road is being sold. The new owner will take over daily operations Feb. 8.

Stacey declined to comment, but staff member Polly Chapman, Stacey’s niece, told the Ledger-Enquirer she’s looking forward to her uncle getting to rest.

“I’m happy for my uncle,” she said. “He’s worked for 60 years, since he was 15 years old. I’m excited for him to have his retirement.”

The new owner, Kimbrough Cox, wasn’t available for comment, but Chapman said he was a vendor who visited the butcher shop on a weekly basis, building a strong relationship with Stacey and his staff.

Cox heard of the opportunity to take over the business through a casual conversation, Chapman said. Within a week, he made an offer.

Chapman said she’s confident he will be a good owner.

“We’ve known him for years,” Chapman said. “We all get along real well. I think he’ll be a fine person to work for.”

Cox will begin his meat-cutting and operations training Feb. 8 and will finish his transition to being the sole owner by the end of February, Chapman said.

According to the management team, there will be no other major changes in staff, aiming to keep the majority of their team the same.

The butcher’s 30-year legacy

The bond between management and customers is apparent with regulars being warmly welcomed and asked to give updates about their personal lives. Chapman said this was the reason she has continued working at her uncle’s butcher shop for 28 years.

“Truthfully, my customers have been coming in here for as long as I’ve worked here,” Chapman said. “I grew a close bond with them. We’ve talked about family. We know each other’s issues, problems and happiness. We share a lot. It’s very family oriented here, even with our customers.”

And customers agree. Marty Davis, a frequent customer, has been coming to Burt’s for their Schnitzel Finger combo for 33 years. When he heard about the rumors of Burt’s closing, he wanted to come in as soon as possible.

“I thought this was the last week,” Davis said. “I want to make sure that I got to see him before they leave. I always try to support local.”

Davis became friends with Stacey through their shared love of motorcycles and has continued to support him through the years. Now, Davis is sad that he won’t see Stacey as often, but he still plans to support the butcher shop after the ownership change.

“I’ll always wish him the best, but kind of selfishly, I don’t want him to retire,” Davis said. “I’ll come see the new people and see what changes and what doesn’t. I’ll always give him a fair shot.”

As for Stacey, he’ll spend his retirement enjoying his hobbies, Chapman, like repairing vintage cars and spending valuable time with family.

This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 9:16 AM.