Walk through the doors of Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits in Chandler and the aroma of smoked sausage and sizzling ribeye is the first sign you’re not in an ordinary grocery store. Glass cases gleam with cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, while the staff greets customers by name. It feels like stepping back to a time when the neighborhood butcher shop was the heart of the community, but with shelves stocked with craft beer, wine, and artisanal sauces, the shop is equally modern.
That balance between old-fashioned service and contemporary tastes is no accident. Von Hanson’s calls itself “The Butcher Shop for the 21st Century,” and for more than 20 years, it has carved out a niche in Chandler by offering Midwestern-quality meats, Arizona-made products, and a sense of connection.
“Our idea has always been to give a modern take on what an old-fashioned meat market means,” says Malesha Goode, marketing director at Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits. “We provide what’s new and trending but with an old-fashioned twist.”
From suitcases of steak to a Chandler institution
The story of Von Hanson’s arrival in Arizona began with snowbirds Martha and Gene Neese.
Longtime customers of the original Von Hanson’s Meats in Apple Valley, Minnesota, the couple retired to Chandler in the early 2000s. Missing the quality they loved back home, they started packing their suitcases with Midwestern meats to share with friends and neighbors.
They quickly realized there was demand for a butcher shop that brought the Midwest experience to the Valley. In 2004, they opened Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits in Chandler, the first and only location outside Minnesota.
What keeps customers coming back
Inside the local shop, customers can have steaks custom-cut to their exact preferences, from thickness to marbling to flavor. A traditional smokehouse in the back turns out sausages, jerky, and smoked dog bones, all made from in-house recipes.
The ribeye is a perennial favorite for its balance of marbling and flavor. Twice-baked potatoes, made fresh daily, are an easy side dish with a loyal following. And the shop’s extensive sausage selection is a signature.
“We have more than 150 kinds of sausages and brats, all our own recipes,” Goode says.
Beyond the meat counter, the store surprises visitors with deli salads, natural dog food, local craft beer and wine, BBQ woods and chips, and a wide assortment of sauces and spices. Seasonal specialties such as fresh turkeys from Minnesota, prime rib, and pork crown roasts round out the offerings.
Service that’s personal
Goode says the staff takes pride in making sure customers get more than just a cut of meat.
“When customers come in, we ask what the special occasion is and what their needs are,” she says. “We want to help them get the perfect meal.”
That personalized approach has built loyalty. Customers return not only for the quality but also for the relationships.
“We have customers who have become friends,” Goode says. “We’ve helped people create traditions with our products and been there during life’s ups and downs.”
Rooted in community
From the beginning, Von Hanson’s has been part of the Chandler community. The shop joined local chambers of commerce and jumped into sponsoring events and nonprofits.
“We were part of the very first SanTan Oktoberfest in 2008, serving brats in Downtown Chandler, and we’ve been part of it ever since,” Goode says.
In 2014, the team collaborated with Four Peaks Brewing Company on a Kilt Lifter Brat for Tempe Oktoberfest. More recently, they partnered with the Arizona Coyotes during the 2023-24 season and participated in Barrett-Jackson events.
The shop has also supported the Boys & Girls Club and other community organizations.
“We really try to make a big impact,” Goode says.
Recognition and looking ahead
Over the years, Von Hanson’s has received numerous local awards that reflect the loyalty of its customers. It has been named Best of Chandler and Best of the East Valley multiple times and was honored as Small Business of the Year by the Chandler Chamber in 2024.
Even after two decades in Chandler, the shop continues to evolve. Whether it’s adding new sausage recipes, expanding its selection of Arizona products, or deepening its community partnerships, Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits is committed to keeping things fresh while honoring its roots.
“It really comes down to quality and customer service,” Goode says. “That’s why people keep coming back.”
For locals, that combination of Midwest heritage and Arizona spirit has made Von Hanson’s more than a butcher shop. It’s a place where food traditions, old and new, are passed from one generation to the next.
“Our idea has always been to give a modern take on what an old-fashioned meat market means,” says Malesha Goode. “We provide what’s new and trending but with an old-fashioned twist.”