Lexington’s food scene just got a little juicier with the opening of downtown’s VanMeter James. Rudy Leake — owner of the boutique butcher shop — aims to bring us the best beef in town specializing in Certified Angus Beef ®.

Fun fact: Besides grocery chain Meijer, VanMeter James will be the only retailer in the state to offer Certified Angus Beef ®.

Cattle farming is in Rudy’s blood. He grew up on his family’s cattle farm in Madison County + most recently worked on a farm in Clark County. With the longer commute, Rudy decided to switch gears to be closer to his wife + two young children here in Lexington. “I love the cattle industry, I love the beef industry, and I wanted to stay in it somehow.” From his love for food and the finer things in life, VanMeter James was born.

Why Certified Angus Beef ®?

Rudy said these cows are bred for beef. “They are a very wholesome animal, and produce a superior cut,” he said. The certification is also all about supporting cattle farmers + improving the breed, which is important to Rudy. Portions of the sales of Certified Angus Beef ® get kicked back to the farmers.

Pro tip: At VanMeter James, Rudy is donating $1 from each sale to the Colvin Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing careers in agriculture.

What's in store

In addition to the 10+ cuts of beef available, VanMeter James also sells high-end tools — spice mills, cutting boards, and knives. The shop will start its catering arm this spring specializing in meals for cocktail + dinner parties. With your catering order, you’ll receive an offering of sides as well as a spice mill, steak knife, and slicing knife to keep.

VanMeter James is located in the Shops at Main & Rose + open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m-6 p.m.