INNISFIL — Whether you're picking up beef, lamb, chicken, pork or fish, Del Zotto Butcher Shop recently opened its newest location at 945 Innisfil Beach Rd.
“After living in Germany for 30 years and running successful Italian restaurants and a pizza franchise, we gained invaluable experience in both the restaurant and butchery business,” said Naleem Virk, who owns the shops in Innisfil and Barrie, at 829 Big Bay Point Rd. “Our customers there loved us, and when we immigrated to Canada in 2009, we decided to dive back into the same business we know and love.
“I have been deeply involved in the food industry for the last 30 years, which has been both rewarding and fulfilling,” she added. “For over 15 years, I’ve focused specifically on the butcher shop industry, and it has been an incredible journey. I truly enjoy the hands-on work and the connections I’ve made with customers and colleagues along the way.”
Established in 2009, Del Zotto’s employs six people in both of Virk’s locations. She told Village Media that her customers recommended they open a butcher shop in Alcona, as there was no such business in an area with tens of thousands of people.
“From crafting mouth-watering dishes to perfecting the art of butchery, we’re proud to serve our local communities with the highest quality meats and delicious meals,” Virk said.
Del Zotto gives customers a "traditional butchering experience" by relying on "age-old methods and skills used in meat processing that focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and respect for the animal," she said.
"This experience is grounded in knowledge passed down through generations, involving careful selection, cutting, and preparation of meat by hand, rather than relying solely on modern machinery or mass production techniques," Virk said.
Staff hand-cut each piece of meat, so it is customized for the needs of each customer, and they work with every part of the animal in order to use “every part to its fullest potential.” This allows them to create unique, homemade sausages.
“By sticking to these traditional practices, we can offer our customers not only top-quality cuts but also an authentic butchering experience that emphasizes skill, passion, and the true art of meat preparation,” she said.
Virk noted the "warm, supportive people" within the Innisfil community.
"We couldn’t have made a better decision than to open our doors here," she said. "With so many great options in the summer and the town expanding rapidly, it’s truly a place we’re proud to be part of. Giving back to the community is something I’m passionate about.
"Whether through serving at Del Zotto, supporting local events, donating to causes or sharing knowledge and skills, I always look for ways to contribute. Being part of the food industry has given me the opportunity to do just that, and it’s something I hold close to my heart," Virk added.
The shop also offers free delivery within a 60-kilometre radius of Barrie on orders of more than $200. Learn more about Del Zotto by visiting its website.