Opening later this month in the standalone building that long housed Grab N Go Subs in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood is Blue Box Butcher, a modern take on the traditional American butcher shop concept.
After 25 years serving Little Italy, Grab N Go Subs shuttered its first San Diego location at 2102 India Street in Little Italy in late 2018. Local San Diego real estate developer, AJ Tangsoc, has since taken over the 300 square-foot standalone building to open a modern butcher shop in the heart of San Diego's top dining destination community. Consulting on the project is Rick Wright, whose background is in butchery and management, both in restaurants including Bestia, Bucato, and Salt’s Cure in Los Angeles, and at retail butcher shops such as Lindy and Grundy, Belcampo, The Butchery, and others.
Blue Box Butcher will offer high quality meats procured from many of the same sources as favorite neighborhood restaurants and steakhouses. Offerings will be available through a user-friendly, online ordering platform easily accessible from a computer or smartphone. Once an order is placed, the selection will be available at the pickup window within fifteen minutes or for delivery through Postmates. For those interested in the more traditional butcher experience, Blue Box will also have a display case full of custom cuts, though online ordering is encouraged because of the quaint retail space.
Blue Box Butcher will offer high quality meats procured from many of the same sources as favorite neighborhood restaurants and steakhouses. Offerings will be available through a user-friendly, online ordering platform easily accessible from a computer or smartphone. Once an order is placed, the selection will be available at the pickup window within fifteen minutes or for delivery through Postmates. For those interested in the more traditional butcher experience, Blue Box will also have a display case full of custom cuts, though online ordering is encouraged because of the quaint retail space.
"We’re bridging the gap between the suppliers and our end consumers, where traditionally only higher end restaurants have access," explained Blue Box Butcher consultant Rick Wright. "We’ll be offering a hand selected variety of steaks and chops including Prime and Choice Ribeye, NY Strip, Filet Mignon, and Pork Porterhouse as well as more casual everyday cuts such as Hanger, Tri Tip, Sirloin Cap and a couple marinated options. Last but certainly not least, we will have a selection of American and Japanese Wagyu."
The Blue Box Butcher space is designed by Mia Sher Development & Design and reflects the personality of Blue Box Butcher’s founding principles - top quality, modern, and authentic. Expect a warm interior with subtle nods to the modern farmhouse style through use of wood tones and decorative accents. Although there are not currently plans to offer any prepared foods at this time, there is a large front patio on India Street that may eventually be used to hold outdoor cookouts and other events. Blue Box Butcher will also offer a signature burger box that comes with everything one needs for burger night at home, including their proprietary burger blend, signature seasoning, and house made burger sauce.
Blue Box Butcher is expected to open in Little Italy at some point in late February to early March and the company also plans to open a location in Bankers Hill on 5th Avenue by the end of 2021, as well as expand to other San Diego neighborhoods depending on need. For more information, visit blueboxbutcher.com.
