Hanlen’s Fine Meats & Catering in Kirkwood is closing after 51 years in business

A Kirkwood butcher shop, Hanlen’s Fine Meats & Catering, announced via a written statement posted to its Facebook page that the business is closing its doors after serving the community for five decades. The shop, located at 11037 Manchester Road, will have its last day in business on Saturday, Sept. 30. 

According to the Aug. 31 Facebook post, the business plans to go out with a bit of fanfare by hosting a farewell barbecue at the shop. In the post, third-generation owner Brady Hanlen pointed to his wishes to spend more time with his family as a deciding factor for closing the doors, but assured customers that he’s enjoyed his years serving the community.

“As I look back on the years, it is the daily interactions, the stories shared and the connections forged that I will miss the most,” Hanlen said in the statement. “The conversations, the laughs and the friendships have made this more than just a profession – it has been a way of life.” 

The farewell barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 30, will be from 3 to 6 p.m. In a phone conversation with Sauce, Hanlen said that the barbecue will feature sausages, pulled pork and rib tips, as well as a toast and lots of opportunities for the community to share their memories of patronizing the business. 

“It’s a way for me to say ‘thank you’ to the community and for us to hang out in the front parking lot and inside the shop and reminisce,” Hanlen said. “We’ll also give a toast to my dad and grandpa who started it all.”