A majority of Alexandria businesses are feeling the pain from COVID-19, but Del Ray’s butcher shop Let’s Meat on the Avenue is limiting the number of items customers can buy.
“It’s just a different animal now, because people are buying in mass quantities because they’re eating at home for their three meals a day,” shop owner Donna Welch told ALXnow. “Now customers can only get two dozen eggs at a time, you can only get two pounds of ground beef at a time, because people were coming in and buying 10 pounds of ground beef and dozens and dozens of eggs.”
The butcher shop is open, but only for one customer at a time. Customers aren’t allowed to touch anything in the shop, not even the door handles.
“We open and close the door for them, and they are not allowed to touch anything on the shelves or in the cases,” Welch said. “We will get all of that for them. And they have to stay within a central area that’s taped off.”
She added, “We’re doing phone orders, so the phone’s ringing off the hook. We’re also keeping our distance between each other and we’re doing face masks and gloves, and yes, we’re sanitizing everything all the time.”
Let’s Meat on the Avenue has been at 2403 Mount Vernon Avenue for 12 years, and Welch and her family have owned it for nearly half that time. The company employs five staffers, all of whom are still working. The shop specializes in pasture-fed, free range and hormone-free meat and poultry from farms in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“We’re holding our own, that’s for sure. It’s a lot more work, but we’re keeping everybody employed,” Welch said. “I want to say thank you to the Del Ray community for your support. We have gotten so much encouragement from our customers, and this is just the best neighborhood in the world. They are constantly asking how we’re doing, and giving us encouragement. We appreciate it.”
Let’s Meat on the Avenue is open on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m., on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The shop is closed Monday.
Recent Stories
Ting Internet started providing some long-awaited competition to Comcast in parts of Alexandria earlier this year, now the company says it’s expanding to central Alexandria soon. Catharine Rice, community engagement…
Alexandria Police Department Captain Courtney Ballantine just spent 10 weeks at the FBI National Academy, and spoke with ALXnow about his experience. Over the summer, Ballantine lived in a dorm…
Arlington calls for aid, and Alexandria will answer. Alexandria’s City Council is scheduled to vote at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, to support neighboring Arlington’s funding application for an…
Dylan, the best-selling luxury condominiums in the Metro Washington area is now delivering, with three beautiful new models to tour. You’re invited to a Grand Opening Event at Dylan on…
Are you ready for a family frolic in front of the lens? Look no further! Our Mini Photo Sessions are here, and they’re filled with laughter, wagging tails, and unforgettable moments.
What to Expect:
• Professional Portraits: Bring your furry friends or the whole family for a portrait experience like no other. We promise to capture the most charming moments!
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Jane Lowery to our women’s therapy practice. Jane specializes in grief+loss therapy and she’s forming a support group for young adults who have lost a parent.
Grief work is personal for Jane. She’s a host with The Dinner Party, a national non-profit reducing the isolation & stigma for grieving 20 & 30-something’s with live and virtual sit-down dinners.
Jane is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Prior to becoming a therapist, she worked for over 10 years in technology philanthropy. Jane obtained her bachelor’s in American Studies from George Washington University.
Made in Alexandria Fall Makers’ Market
The Made in ALX Fall Makers’ Market at Port City Brewing Co. in Alexandria is set for Sunday, Sept. 24!
This is the fall’s most fun sip-and-shop, featuring craft beer from the award-winning Port City Brewing Co. along with food,
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
