I’ll admit it: I used to think meat was meat, and the grocery store package was good enough. Then a small butcher shop on a quiet Ohio country road changed my dinner plans, my breakfast plans, and honestly my whole shopping list.
The building is modest, the line can be long, and the cases are packed with fresh cuts, homemade salads, and pies that keep people driving in from half an hour away. One shopper has been coming back for 31 years, so grab a cooler and see why.
A Little Building on Gerlaugh Road
From the road, you might drive right past it. Copey’s Butcher Shop sits in a small, practical building out in the countryside near Medway, a spot in Clark County between Dayton and Springfield.
Nothing about the exterior shouts for attention. There are no flashing signs or fancy displays, just a working meat market that local families have trusted for decades.
The surprise comes once you step through the door and see how much is packed inside.
Shoppers often describe the place as small but stuffed with good things. Fresh beef, pork, and chicken fill the cases, while freezers, a deli, salads, and baked goods crowd every corner.
One regular summed it up nicely by calling it so much in a little building.
The shop is a butcher first, with meat cut on site. That alone sets it apart from the plastic-wrapped trays at a chain store.
But the extras, from ham salad to pies, turn a quick meat run into a full grocery stop.
Families from nearby towns regularly make a 25 to 30 minute drive just to fill their coolers here. Plug this into your map before you head out: 10988 Gerlaugh Rd, Medway, OH 45341.
The Shopper on Her 31st Year
Some stories just make you smile. A first-time visitor once walked into Copey’s and admitted to the staff that she had never shopped at a real butcher before.
The woman standing ahead of her in line overheard. While the counter worker went to fetch some ground round, that friendly stranger turned around and explained how the shop works, how long it had been in business, and that she was on her 31st year of coming to Copey’s.
Thirty-one years! That’s longer than many people have owned their car, their house, or even their favorite pair of boots.
Loyalty like that doesn’t happen by accident.
It says something about the place that regulars feel comfortable acting as unofficial tour guides. The shop seems to create that kind of community feeling, where customers trade tips about cuts and favorites while they wait.
Another shopper said visiting feels like being with family. A newer customer, after just two trips, called himself a customer for life.
That first-timer, by the way, went home happy. She tried burgers, cube steak, and maple sausage, then returned with her husband the following weekend.
It seems the 31-year habit may be contagious.
Clean Cases, Fresh Cuts
Freshness is the word that pops up again and again when people talk about Copey’s. Visitors frequently mention meat that is fresh and never frozen, with cuts handled right there on site.
Cleanliness earns plenty of praise too. Shoppers often comment that the store stays clean even when it’s busy, and one hunter who used the processing service noted how noticeably clean the facility was.
For a place handling raw meat all day, that matters a lot.
The selection covers beef, pork, and chicken, much of it described as locally raised. Steaks, chuck roasts, cube steaks, ground round, chicken breasts, and pork chops all make regular appearances in shoppers’ baskets.
Not every single visit is perfect, of course. One shopper mentioned an odor inside the building, which can happen at a working meat market.
Still, most people leave focused on the quality of what they took home.
The flavor seems to be where the real magic happens. People talk about chuck roasts that melt in your mouth and burgers that taste better than anything from a supermarket.
If you have only ever bought meat on a foam tray, a trip here can feel like tasting beef for the very first time.
Maple Sausage Worth Guarding
Here’s a fair warning: hide your breakfast. One newcomer bought maple sausage links on her first trip and called them heavenly, like no other sausage she’d tried.
Her husband claimed he didn’t even like sausage. Then she cooked some with eggs one morning, planning to save the rest for work.
He ate the whole batch, raving about it the entire time, and her Monday breakfast vanished.
That little kitchen story says a lot. Good sausage can win over even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Copey’s carries other sausage too. Another couple stopped in to grab sausage for homemade biscuits and gravy, a classic Ohio weekend breakfast if there ever was one.
Breakfast meats are a smart place to start if you’re new to the shop. They’re easy to cook, kid-friendly, and a quick way to taste the difference between butcher-shop meat and the grocery store version.
Pair the sausage with a dozen eggs and some bread, both of which shoppers say you can also pick up here. That way your whole Saturday morning breakfast comes from one stop.
Just maybe buy two packs. Somebody in your house will probably thank you.
Ham Salad and Deli Favorites
Ask a regular what to grab besides steak, and the answer is often ham salad. It’s one of the most talked-about items at Copey’s, and fans say that if you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Ham salad is a true Midwest comfort food. Spread it on crackers, pile it on soft bread, or eat it straight from the container when no one’s looking.
The deli case goes well beyond that one favorite. Shoppers mention deli meats and cheeses, macaroni salad, potato salad, and a rotating mix of homemade sides.
Some visitors also rave about lunches made to order on the spot.
One customer tried a hash brown casserole for the first time and immediately planned to buy more. Dishes like that make weeknight dinners a lot easier for busy families.
A small tip from the shop’s own customers: certain salads may depend on what’s been prepped that day. One shopper called ahead about cucumber salad and found it wasn’t ready yet when she arrived.
If you’re driving in for one specific side, it can help to confirm before you leave.
Otherwise, just browse. The deli tends to reward curious eaters.
Pies, Cinnamon Rolls, and Sweet Surprises
Nobody expects dessert at a butcher shop. Yet pies are among the items people bring up most when talking about Copey’s.
The bakery section is described as limited, so don’t picture a giant pastry counter. Instead, think of a small, tempting spread that seems designed to sneak into your basket at the last minute.
Cinnamon rolls earn their own fan club. Pick some up with your sausage and you’ve basically got a whole country breakfast ready for the morning.
Shoppers also mention breads and other baked goods, along with soups that pair nicely with a cold Ohio evening. Grab a quart of soup, a loaf of bread, and a pie, and dinner is handled with almost no effort.
For families, the dessert shelf can be a fun reward for kids who tag along on the grocery run. Letting them pick the pie flavor turns an errand into a small adventure.
Since the baked goods are a smaller part of the shop, selection may vary from visit to visit. Popular items can go quickly on busy days.
If your heart is set on a pie for Sunday dinner, a Friday or early Saturday stop is a smart move.
Meatloaf, Ham Loaf, and Easy Suppers
Busy parents, listen up. Some of Copey’s most popular items are ready-to-cook meals that save you time without tasting like shortcuts.
Meatloaf comes up often among shoppers. One visitor grabbed it along with chicken breasts and beef filets and said everything they took home was amazing.
Then there’s the frozen ham loaf, a true Ohio classic. It comes already packed in an aluminum pan, so you just pop it in the oven and bake.
A longtime fan called it delicious and very easy to cook.
Ham loaf, for anyone unfamiliar, is a blend of ground ham and pork, usually topped with a sweet glaze. It shows up at church dinners and family gatherings across the Midwest, and it tastes like a grandma made it.
The freezers hold plenty more. Shoppers mention lots of frozen vegetables and other frozen goods, which makes it easy to build a full meal in one trip.
Keep a couple of these heat-and-eat options in your freezer at home. On nights when soccer practice runs late or the weather turns nasty, a homemade-style supper is just an oven timer away.
Beyond the Meat Counter
Could you skip the supermarket entirely? Plenty of shoppers say you nearly can at Copey’s.
Along with fresh cuts and deli items, the shelves hold eggs, breads, potatoes, chips, salsa, and a surprising variety of pantry goods. One couple picked up local honey, hoping it would help with seasonal allergies.
That’s the beauty of a small market like this. You come in for pork chops and leave with half a week’s groceries, all from one compact building.
A few unusual items catch the eye too. Pig ears are on hand, mostly for the dog lovers in the crowd, though one visitor joked that those were the only thing she wouldn’t buy two of.
Many families say they switched from store-bought meat to Copey’s for the value, the quality, and the variety. For them, the drive is part of a weekly or monthly routine.
Bring a cooler bag or two if you live farther away. Between the meat, frozen dishes, and deli salads, it’s easy to end up with more than you planned, and you’ll want everything to stay cold on the ride home.
Consider it a one-stop country grocery with a butcher’s heart.
A Free Bone for the Family Dog
Don’t forget about your four-legged family members. Shoppers share a fun tip about Copey’s: ask for a dog bone at the counter.
It’s one of those small-town touches that makes a place memorable. A happy pup waiting at home might be the most excited member of the household when you pull into the driveway.
Dog bones get mentioned by several customers, which suggests it’s a well-loved tradition. Of course, availability can change, so it never hurts to ask politely rather than expect it.
Kids especially tend to enjoy this part. Letting them make the request at the counter can turn a grown-up errand into something they look forward to.
Pig ears are also on the shelves for pet owners shopping for treats. Between the two, your dog may start recognizing the cooler bag when you bring it inside.
A quick safety reminder from most vets: supervise dogs with any bone or chew, and choose sizes that suit your pet. Every dog is different, and a little caution keeps the treat fun.
Small gestures like this are part of why folks keep returning. Good service, it turns out, can extend to the whole family.
Deer Season at the Shop
Come fall, the shop takes on a second job. Ohio hunters bring their deer to Copey’s for processing, a long tradition at rural butcher shops across the state.
One hunter described the experience as impressive. He praised the communication, said the facility was noticeably clean, and liked recent updates to the drop-off and pickup process that made everything more streamlined.
Even when the store was packed, he noted that staff kept the lines moving quickly. During hunting season, that kind of efficiency can make a big difference.
The shop has handled whole hogs for customers too. Processing services like these can take time, especially during busy seasons, so plan ahead and ask about pickup timing and pricing when you drop off.
One customer did note that smoked add-ons cost extra and that hog processing ran close to 300 dollars, so get clear details up front. Asking questions early helps avoid surprises later.
Hunters heading out on Ohio’s back roads in autumn should stay alert for deer crossing, especially around dawn and dusk. October through December tends to be the busiest stretch for wildlife on the roads.
Call ahead before bringing in any game to confirm current procedures.
The Friendly Faces and the Fast Line
Friendly staff is easily the most common compliment Copey’s receives. Over and over, customers describe workers who are kind, pleasant, and helpful.
New shoppers seem to get especially warm treatment. That first-time butcher customer said staff became even nicer once she mentioned she was new, and the cashier even suggested trying the chicken next time.
Here’s what to expect: the shop can feel fast-paced. Customers grab a bin, fill it up as they go, and keep things moving.
One visitor advised newcomers to just go with the flow, since it’s easy to figure out.
Service at the counter has been described as direct but great. The workers are busy, but they still take care of each customer.
There’s usually a line, according to regulars, but it tends to move right along. Even on crowded days, people report quick service at both the meat counter and the register.
Not every interaction is perfect at any business, and a few shoppers have had less pleasant moments. Patience on both sides of the counter goes a long way on hectic days.
Overall, the shop’s reputation rests on people who seem to genuinely care about their customers.
Hours, Prices, and Smart Timing
Plan your trip around a schedule that’s a bit different from most stores. Copey’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
It’s closed Sunday and Monday.
Saturday has shorter hours, so weekend shoppers should arrive earlier rather than later. Weekday mornings may offer a calmer browsing experience if your schedule allows.
What about cost? Many shoppers say prices match or beat grocery stores like Kroger, especially considering the quality.
A few others have found certain steaks and burger a little higher than elsewhere, so it can depend on what you buy.
For the best value, try mixing premium cuts with budget-friendly options like ground beef, sausage, and ready-made ham loaf. That way you get the butcher-shop experience without stretching the family budget.
Want something specific, like a certain salad or a preorder? Call the shop at 937-849-1338 before driving out.
The website, copeys.com, is another handy place to check.
In winter, check road conditions before heading down the country roads. Spring storms can also roll through quickly in this part of Ohio.
And remember that cooler. Your meat will thank you.
Why the Drive Pays Off
Thirty-one years of loyalty from one shopper says plenty. So do the families who happily drive 25 or 30 minutes each way just to stock their freezers here.
Copey’s isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a clean, busy, family-owned butcher shop where meat is cut on site, the staff learns your face, and the pies sit waiting near the register.
For first-timers, the best approach is simple. Grab a bin, try a few basics like ground beef or maple sausage, add some ham salad, and leave room for a pie.
Families will appreciate the quick-cook dinners and the free dog bone tradition. Home cooks may love the fresh cuts.
Hunters have a trusted spot for processing when fall rolls around.
It’s easy to see why so many locals say they will never buy meat at a regular grocery store again. Once you taste the difference, that cheap supermarket tray just doesn’t compare.
Medway sits close to both Dayton and Springfield, making this an easy addition to a day trip in western Ohio.
Go hungry, go curious, and you might just start a 31-year habit of your own.
