Four Woods Custom Butchering Preserves Tradition
A full freezer says something about a home. Wrapped parcels tucked neatly into organized stacks invite thoughts of Sunday roasts, weeknight meals and the comfort of knowing good food is ready when you need it. Families across the Lakes West area often begin that journey at Four Woods Custom Butchering in Topeka, where the story behind the meat is as important as the flavor on the plate.
Four Woods is owned by Joseph Bontrager, who brings 13 years of experience from working side by side with a seasoned butcher before stepping into ownership himself. His start came at a time when he and his wife were running a small, reputable dog-breeding business that did not provide the return they expected. When her uncle mentioned that a local butcher shop was coming up for sale, the idea took root. Joseph sat down with his wife to talk it through, then reached out to Richard, a trusted relative whose years of experience in professional butchering and willingness to walk alongside them made the idea feel possible.
They presented their plan to the bank and received approval in two days. Joseph still remembers that moment clearly, describing it as a blessing he did not expect but knew to follow.
From the beginning, the business stayed busy. Only two quiet weeks fell between July and mid-summer. The rest of the year brought a steady stream of customers through word of mouth alone. Four Woods processes beef, hogs, deer and sheep, with goats likely to be added as demand grows. Many customers bring animals they raised themselves, while others work with trusted local farmers.
A typical week at Four Woods follows a system Joseph has refined through years of practice. Customers drop off their livestock in advance so everything can be scheduled properly. Fridays are kill days, when animals are harvested humanely and moved into the cooler to chill. Once they have rested, the sides move along the rail system into the cutting room. There, Joseph and his crew divide each animal into the cuts selected by the customer. Every package is wrapped, labeled and placed in the freezer. When an order is complete, a card goes on Joseph’s desk, and he promptly calls the customer to arrange pickup.
Many families are new to custom butchering. Joseph’s explanations help them understand what to expect and how to plan. He uses detailed cut sheets that list every option clearly so customers can make choices with confidence.
Conversations often turn to how each family cooks. A busy household may prefer more stew meat and ground beef. Another family that enjoys grilling might opt for more steaks and kabob cuts. Joseph brings these ideas together in a way that allows families to imagine their meals and select cuts that match their style while limiting waste.
Custom smoking has become another part of the shop’s rhythm.
Four Woods smokes hams, bacon and other cuts, along with popular deer products during hunting season. Joseph’s house recipe for ring bologna has developed a strong following. He also makes pork burgers with a custom seasoning blend and offers summer sausage in both traditional and honey barbecue varieties. Some seasonings come from trusted suppliers, while others are blends Joseph is developing himself. He pays attention to customer requests and expands his offerings based on what consistently sells.
Alongside the processing area, Four Woods also has a small retail store that offers ready-to-purchase meats. The space currently features a selection of grain-fed beef and pork from a nearby farm where calves are raised and fed with grain grown right on the property. Joseph hopes to expand this store in the near future. More room, additional coolers and a wider variety of cuts are all part of his long-term plan. He envisions a place where people can stop in at any time and leave with quality local meat, even if they have not scheduled a custom order.
Joseph believes strongly in the value of knowing where meat comes from. He explains that locally processed meat has a softer texture and fuller flavor. Store-bought products often include additives that cause them to fry away in the pan. Families appreciate understanding how their animals were raised and handled, and Joseph treats that responsibility seriously. He focuses on returning as much usable meat as possible from every animal and encourages clear communication with customers. While he prefers to discuss details in person at drop-off, he works by phone when needed.
The work is long and physical, but Joseph finds meaning in it. He enjoys hearing that a family filled their freezer or discovered a new favorite cut he suggested. Those moments remind him why small processors matter. His goal is simple: satisfied customers who trust the work behind every package they bring home.
Four Woods Custom Butchering offers more than a service. It offers connection. When meat is processed or purchased locally, the food on a family’s table can be tied back to a nearby pasture, a farmer who cared for the animal and a butcher who understands his craft. Families appreciate knowing their meals come from work done with honesty, skill and respect.
Joseph is committed to maintaining that standard, giving customers the confidence that what they bring home is wholesome, thoughtfully prepared and truly local.
Four Woods Custom Butchering is located at 4665 S. State Road 5 in Topeka. For more information, call 219-741-0972.
