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 and John Taylor acquired the business from Don Alberigi. Chris and John are excited to add their expertise to the business, while still keeping the history and feel of the old school, family run butcher shop alive.
Meat The Team
Chris Peterson
John Taylor (JT)
John Taylor (JT)
Owner / Head Butcher
Chris has been in the meat business for nearly 20 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 state wide and has created
Owner / Head Butcher
Chris has been in the meat business for nearly 20 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 state wide and has created many award winning smoked meats, sausages, and marinated meats. Chris is ready to take his years of experience and put them to use in managing his own shop.
John Taylor (JT)
John Taylor (JT)
John Taylor (JT)
Owner / Ranch Butcher
Many of you may know John Taylor as “1 Shot JT”, the man driving the blue, mobile ranch slaughtering truck that has served Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for over 30 years. Many of you may not know that JT also has a history of working at Willowside Meats. When he was 14 years old he worked in the shop when his gran
Owner / Ranch Butcher
Many of you may know John Taylor as “1 Shot JT”, the man driving the blue, mobile ranch slaughtering truck that has served Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for over 30 years. Many of you may not know that JT also has a history of working at Willowside Meats. When he was 14 years old he worked in the shop when his grandfather (Ken Howard) owned the business. He is very exited to be back in the shop again, getting to work with the whole process. But don’t worry, you will still find him working out in the field taking care of all your ranch slaughtering needs.
Joe Gilliam
John Taylor (JT)
Joe Gilliam
Butcher
Joe has over 10 years of experience working in the meat industry and is truly the jack of all trades. You can find Joe handling just about anything in the shop from cutting meat and loading the smoke house, to helping customers and stocking the retail counter. Joe is happy to help wherever needed to make sure the shop is better than ever.
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda Wackerman
Amanda, niece of John Taylor, grew up in Sonoma County, but moved to San Diego for 10 years. Back in March she had moved back home to be closer to her family. When John Taylor asked her to help out here in the shop she couldn't pass up on the opportunity. Amanda helps out wherever she is needed, but you can mainly find her wrapping up pr
Amanda, niece of John Taylor, grew up in Sonoma County, but moved to San Diego for 10 years. Back in March she had moved back home to be closer to her family. When John Taylor asked her to help out here in the shop she couldn't pass up on the opportunity. Amanda helps out wherever she is needed, but you can mainly find her wrapping up product for our retail store, or helping you 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.
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Alexis, also one of our meat wrappers, has 2 years of experience. Working hand and hand with Elena she learns something new everyday. Alexis is eager to help expand her knowledge and help in any way that she can.
Elena Jimenez
Alexis castellanos
Alexis castellanos
Elena is one of Chris's longest employee's. They have been together for over 21 years, and she has been in the business 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.
Royce Brasher
Alexis castellanos
Royce Brasher
Royce started in the business 4 years ago at the age of 21. With a passion for the outdoors Royce loves being hands on here in the shop. You can find him doing a little bit of everything, from making sausage, to wrapping your meat. He is always happy to help where is ever needed.
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 3 years. Felix is one of the best cooks here in the shop. With Chris and John supplying the meat and Felix cooking the staff is very lucky to get some amazing lunch's. You can find Felix breaking down animals for your custom cut and wrap or cutting our retail customers meat to order.
Tristin alba
Felix Castellanos
Felix Castellanos
Tristan has been in the industry for 5 years. Having worked for Don before Chris and John took over he was eager to learn from them. Tristan is our main sausage guy. You can find him making sure the sausage retail case is fully stocked and making all our custom sausage orders.
Mike Peterson
Felix Castellanos
Mike Peterson
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.
Jonathan Jimeniz
Jonathan, son of Elena started working here with us in August. New to the industry, he is learning a lot from his Mom, Chris, and John. Jonathan is currently attending college to become a firefighter. We are excited to see where the future will take him.