The Chop Shop: 54 Years of Family & Flavor
By Beth Deyo
The Chop Shop opened its doors in West Bradenton in 1971 and was busy from the start. It wasn’t long before the original owners, Susan Higbee’s aunt and uncle, reached out to the Stivers family with a proposition.
“My parents were living in Kentucky at the time,” Susan stated. “My uncle called my dad and said, ‘Do you want to come down and help for a little while?’ and he did. They ended up asking him to stay, and that’s how we moved here.”
For decades, the shop has run as a true family business built on genuine relationships. It has become a local institution that’s known for consistency and personal service. It’s the kind of place where both the customers and the staff know each other by name.
A Family Story with Staying Power
Susan’s uncle eventually stepped away from the business, and The Chop Shop continued to thrive under the management of her aunt and the Stivers family.
But then life threw some curveballs.
In December 2019, Susan’s brother and Chop Shop co-owner Mike Stivers passed away. In 2023, the family suffered the loss of their patriarch, Melvin “Doug” Stivers.
During that time, Susan had to take the reins and learn some things on the fly. “I had to figure it out because there was no one to ask,” she explained.
Susan adapted to running the business and successfully guided it through a series of challenges that included the COVID-19 pandemic, back-to-back hurricanes that shut the business down for 40 days, and a major theft that would have knocked many people out.
Today, the business is bouncing back. “Things are definitely better than they were,” she said. “We’re focusing on quality over quantity and delivering the personal service we’ve always been known for.”
Prime Cuts and a Personal Touch
Today, Susan and her mother, Carolyn, continue to run The Chop Shop with the same heart and high standards it was founded on. Their approach is still the same: start with the best, treat people right, and never compromise.
All of their meat comes from U.S. family ranches. It’s all-natural, raised without hormones or antibiotics, and graded “Prime” — a quality level above what most grocery stores carry. “I can’t compete with price,” Susan said. “But I know our meat is not the same as everybody else’s. Ours is Prime. Most of theirs is Choice.”
The Chop Shop also carries fresh seafood, local produce, gourmet groceries, international specialties, and a carefully curated selection of wines.
Above all, it’s the experience that truly sets it apart. Walking in the door feels like taking a step back in time in the best way possible. “We’re a family-owned business, and our team is like family too,” Susan said. “I think that’s why our customers feel so at home here.”
“We also feed our employees really well,” she laughed. “We make lunch for everybody pretty much every day. So, our employees are happy when you come in.”
And that translates into excellent customer service. The staff is always happy to explain how to cook something, recommend a product, or help you figure out how much to buy.
“We’re not here just to sell you something,” Susan added. “We really want to connect and bring you into our family.”
Local Favorites That Keep Regulars Coming Back
Ask Susan about their top sellers and she barely hesitates. The Ground Chuck is ground fresh in-house several times a day, and customers often come in for five-pound bags. Wagyu ribeyes and filet mignon are also popular among home chefs who want steakhouse quality without the restaurant price tag.
And if you haven’t tried the Butcher’s Choice Pork Chops, you’re missing the boat. “They are the most unbelievable, phenomenal, off-the-chain pork chops you will ever eat in your life,” she said. And she’s not overselling. These pork chops are fat-injected for flavor without being greasy. They’re juicy, tender, and “insanely good.”
The deli side of the store has its own loyal following. The chicken salad and ham salad are made in-house daily with fresh ingredients. They pair perfectly with The Chop Shop’s homemade coleslaw and mix of seasonal sides.
You’ll also definitely want to pick up some of their in-house seasoning blends. The Robust Ribeye blend and Chop Shop Seasoning have both developed almost a cult following. (Pro tip: They make great holiday gifts!)
A Local Legacy
Despite hurricanes, personal loss, and the everyday challenges of running a small business, The Chop Shop has remained a constant in our community. For Susan, the business is deeply personal. It’s all about honoring her family’s legacy while staying true to the values that have kept loyal customers coming back for more than five decades.
Today, that legacy is already reaching a new generation. Susan’s daughter and younger staff are bringing fresh energy to the shop’s online presence, creating fun, lighthearted videos that introduce The Chop Shop to a wider audience. “Our first TikTok got 66,000 views,” Susan said with a laugh. “It’s crazy what takes off.”
You can visit The Chop Shop at 5906 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, and follow them on TikTok @thechopshopbradenton71.
