“Refinancing my loan made a lot of sense, especially considering the rapid inflation and my variable rate loan. With CEF’s help, we lowered our monthly loan payments and made the business more cash flow positive!."
– Nick Chase, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Nick Chase

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
We are a retail butcher shop specializing in whole animal butchery. We break down whole pork, beef, and chickens which allows us to offer unique cuts you don't find in traditional grocery stores or supermarkets. We've been in business for 5 years.

How did the idea for your business come about?
The idea for a butcher shop was born over martinis. With my cooking background, a friend suggested opening a grocery store. A butcher shop seemed more feasible. I still work with food and I can watch my work be appreciated by my customers which gives me a great sense of pride.

How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry?
I've been a butcher for 5years, but I've been cooking for over 20. I love helping people create better meals for themselves at home rather than rely on over-processed grocery store meals.

What led your business to seek out new/additional funding?
A business always has to look to control costs. Refinancing my loan made a lot of sense, especially considering the rapid inflation and my variable rate loan.

Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business.
Had I considered it more, I would have looked into a loan during the height of the pandemic when rate were super low, but I didn't want to risk taking on more debt. When the Fed started raising rates, I started looking to refinance. It took me 7 months to find a bank that would work with me.

What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender?
They were willing to work with me and the capital I had to use as collateral.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
We lowered our monthly loan payments and made the business more cash flow positive.

What's on the horizon for you and your small business?
We're looking to expand and open multiple locations and possible some vertical integration to control costs and compete with larger grocery stores.