Buster's Butcher

199 S. Highland St., Memphis, TN 38111 United States

Building Area (sf): 2,300 sf

Completion: Aug. 2023

Buster’s Butcher sought to merge quality design, sophisticated interiors, and high-end meat offerings within a small tenant space formerly occupied by the sandwich chain Subway.

Occupying the end bay of a retail center, Buster’s Butcher was afforded two exterior walls capable of admitting natural light and deliveries. At only 2,300 sf, a plan diagram was developed of maximum efficiency where the craft of butchery was on full display. The linear tenant space was subdivided into a retail floor and kitchen/counter. On axis with the entry and serving as the terminus of the retail space is the butcher counter backed by the glazed cold room, offering patrons a first-hand view of the process and products available for purchase. The linear nature of the retail space is reinforced through a taller space and ceiling of wood baffles aligning with the unusual geometry of the retail bay and accented with oversize copper drum fixtures. A lower ceiling drops above the kitchen/counter reinforcing the hierarchy of space and creating a smooth surface from which lighting may reflect. New windows were cut into the exterior wall and flood the space with natural light.

Materials were selected relative to their ability to add richness and warmth, and contribute to a ”quietness” of space. White oak wood baffles at the ceiling coupled with oversized copper drums create a elegant rhythm and set the tone for the space. Large-format porcelain panels with marble veining clad the walls and portions of the counter, offering a natural contrast to the stainless steel equipment. Wood-toned porcelain floor tile coupled with white oak millwork serve to further balance the palette and reinforce the overall atmosphere.

1- A small, generic, aged Subway sandwich shop was transformed into an elegant, sophisticated butcher shop

2 - Natural materials and tones of copper and oak produce a sophisticated palette that promotes a healthy environment.

3 - The demising wall between tenant spaces serves as the primary display of accessory products due to its lack of window openings.

4 - The original diagram creating order within the space is manifested into a working plan that retains intent under the pressure of program realities. Material durability ensures interior finishes stand the test of time while also adding beauty to the space.

5 - Wood ceiling slats and light fixtures create a rhythm to the linear space. Diagrammatic zones reflect their edges through alignment of ceiling transitions and changes in floor tile directionality.

6 - The butcher's table is centered on axis within the retail zone, prominently placing the art of preparing meats on full display. Simple changes in ceiling plane reinforce programmatic uses while accommodating differing demands for lighting.

7 - The back-of-house service spaces were treated with an equal amount of detail, ensuring quality and uniform customer experience throughout.

8 - Restraint was critical in decision-making resulting in a space that is kept simple and elegant in both proportion and materiality.