3421 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, California 95401, United States
OUR HISTORY
Willowside Meats has been a long standing establishment in Sonoma County for nearly 60 years. The business first opened its doors in the 1960s as a small butcher shop for the ranchers and farmers in the area. The shop (pictured circa 1970) has not changed much since it first opened its doors. It has since passed through a few hands in its long standing history in the community. Don Alberigi purchased the shop in the late 1980s and has since turned the shop into the well known and respected establishment that is today.
In May 2019 Chris Peterson acquired the business from Don Alberigi. Chris is excited to add his expertise and retail knowledge to the business, while still keeping the history and feel of the old school, family run butcher shop alive.
Meat The Team
Chris Peterson
Owner / Head Butcher
Chris has been in the meat business for nearly 25 years having gotten started in the industry when he was just 16 years old. If Chris isn't at the cutting block you'll most likely find him working on new recipes for jerky, sausages, or marinated meats. He has been to many meat competitions statewide and has created ma
Owner / Head Butcher
Chris has been in the meat business for nearly 25 years having gotten started in the industry when he was just 16 years old. If Chris isn't at the cutting block you'll most likely find him working on new recipes for jerky, sausages, or marinated meats. He has been to many meat competitions statewide and has created many award-winning smoked meats, sausages, and marinated meats. Chris has taken his years of experience and put them to use in managing his own shop.
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda, niece of John Taylor, grew up in Sonoma County but moved to San Diego for 10 years. During Covid, she moved back home to be closer to her family and when John Taylor asked her to help out here in the shop she couldn't pass up the opportunity. Amanda was a novice to the meat industry when she started in 2020, helping at the retail
Amanda, niece of John Taylor, grew up in Sonoma County but moved to San Diego for 10 years. During Covid, she moved back home to be closer to her family and when John Taylor asked her to help out here in the shop she couldn't pass up the opportunity. Amanda was a novice to the meat industry when she started in 2020, helping at the retail counter and packaging product while learning the cuts of meat and the ins and outs of the business. Now she is mainly behind the scenes doing office work, running social media, answering the phones, and using the knowledge she has gained to guide customers through cut instructions. Occasionally you can still catch her helping out at the front counter.
Julie Hughes
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda Wackerman
Julie is a long time family friend of John Taylor. When John and Chris needed a hand in the retail store she was happy to help. She is the first thing you see here in the shop, always with a smile on her face. Julie is a wealth of knowledge and loves helping customers with any question they may have.
Elena Jimenez
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Elena is one of Chris's longest employees. They have been together for over 22 years, and she has been in the business for 30 years as a meat wrapper. With her speed and efficiency, she is guaranteed to wrap circles around anyone here in the shop. Having so much knowledge and wisdom she is a staple in our business.
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Alexis, also one of our meat wrappers and main cashier. She has 4 years of experience, but working hand and hand with Elena she learns something new every day. Alexis is eager to help expand her knowledge and help in any way that she can.
Felix Castellanos
Felix Castellanos
Felix Castellanos
Felix has been in the industry for 10 years and has worked hand and hand with Chris as a butcher for over 5 years. Felix is one of the best cooks here in the shop and he loves to treat the staff to some amazing lunches. You can find Felix breaking down animals for your custom cut and wrap or cutting our retail customers' meat to order.
Mike Peterson
Felix Castellanos
Felix Castellanos
Mike, has always been willing to help his brother, Chris, in any way. From helping Chris at the ranch to here in the shop Mike is always lending a hand. You can find him doing just about everything from pulling your orders from the freezer, wrapping up your meat, to stocking our retail store.