Our Roots & Passion

Our passion is finding great food and sharing it with our family and friends.  It all started in South Bend, Indiana where Joe Lazzara was raised. His grandparents ran a Sicilian fruit and vegetable market where food quality, customer service and a sense of community were a top priority. Joe’s mom and dad also taught him the value of giving back to the community. These were the building blocks that helped Joe build a successful business.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Joe was lucky to have a sales job that allowed him to dine in some of the best restaurants. This gave Joe the opportunity to meet famous chefs such as; Susan Spicer (Hotel Maison deVille), Emeril Lagasse (Commander’s Palace), Tom Douglas (Dahlia Lounge), Douglas Rodriguez (Yuca) and Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill).  Joe noticed all of the chefs had something in common when it came to their cooking. The freshness and quality of the proteins they used and the unique way in which they were combined with other fresh ingredients made their dishes spectacular.

In early 2005, Joe noticed the butchers working in large super markets did not know much about the proteins they were selling to customers. Most of the butchers couldn’t even tell customers where the proteins came from. This is when Joe realized he needed to give people a better option when it came to purchasing quality meats and seafood.

In January of 2006, Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market opened. The chicken, beef, veal and pork are 100 percent natural. Joe only buys proteins from farmers who are committed to the highest standards of animal husbandry and to sustainable environmental practices, that means the cattle and hogs are raised free from hormones and antibiotic influences.

The company’s mission is to not only bring the best of food and service to customers, but to use the business to serve the community. Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market received the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award in 2009, and multiple awards from publications such as Indianapolis Monthly and WRTV’s Indy A-List.

Community involvement is also a top priority at Joe’s. The staff contributes and supports local charities, schools and religious institutions with donations of time, food and money. The staff is also encouraged to get involved and to be part of what makes the city one of the best places to live in the United States.

Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market proudly offers metro Indianapolis the finest selection of farm fresh beef, veal, lamb, pork, homemade sausages, chicken and the freshest and highest quality seafood. Don’t forget to check out the deli area for seasonal homemade gourmet side dishes, and exceptional Boar’s Head brand deli meats. We also offer a wide variety of fresh artisan baked bread, unique sauces, breading, marinades and a hand selected group of boutique wines to compliment your meals. Stop by the shop and speak with our friendly, highly trained staff today!