The Son of a Butcher’s Sandwich Queen Is Full of Surprises
Rachel Marshall knows her way around a great sandwich, but there's another side to this Birmingham favorite! Meet the woman behind The Son of a Butcher in Pepper Place. Image: Mary Fehr
At The Son of a Butcher in Pepper Place, a specialty butcher shop offering premium meats, fresh seafood, and artisan cheeses, Rachel Marshall has made a name for herself with creative sandwiches that regularly sell out. But her path to becoming a local culinary favorite wasn’t exactly straightforward! This week’s FACE of Birmingham shares how she found her place in the food world, why community is so important to her, and her creative pursuits beyond the kitchen.
Can you tell us how you became a butcher?
Honestly, I started as a regular. If you’re a regular, watch out! Before working at Son of a Butcher, I was into the culinary arts off and on as a teenager, before making the leap into it full-time in my mid-20s. I started cooking pretty young after my dad passed away — it was a way to stay connected with him.
Nowadays, it’s how I stay connected to myself and the people I care about.
What interests you the most about butchering and fishmongering? What might surprise people about the work?
Fabrication has always been fascinating to me. Learning where our food comes from gives me a deeper respect for what I’m making and enjoying. It informs the method of cooking as well. The whole anatomy of land and sea is just too cool not to get sucked into.
I think what would be surprising to learn is how approachable it all really is. It takes some practice and a sharp knife, but that’s all you really need to start. The rest of the nuance falls into place the more you stick with it!
What has your experience been like working in the culinary industry?
In the specific space of the Son of a Butcher shop, it’s been an absolute delight. I am fortunate and grateful to work with the band of brothers here at TSOB. I’ve also worked with and for some incredible women in this field.
Now, I have encountered some proving grounds in the past, but again, I’ve had an overwhelmingly positive culinary family at my back since I started my journey. There are more women in this field than I think people are aware of, and I count myself lucky that I’ve had as many opportunities as I have to learn and succeed with them.
How do creativity and collaboration fit into your work?
Creativity is a massive part of my work! It stems from ingredients or dishes that I’m curious about, paying attention to the seasons, experimenting with flavors that I enjoy meshing together, and listening.
Collaboration plays an equally important role in what I do at the shop. My favorite part of coming up with grab-n-go sides, daily sandwiches, or tasting menus is when I can either bounce ideas off other folks at the shop or listen to one of their ideas. Sometimes I get stumped, so having the opportunity to work in tandem with someone for inspiration or a fresh idea is priceless to me.
This shop has always been about sharing our passions and knowledge with guests, but we also get to do that with each other. You can’t beat it.
You’re a local celebrity now. Does that surprise you?
A little, yeah! Food is a universal language, so I always saw my work as a conversation I get to enjoy with other people. It feels good to have worked so hard in this industry and step back from it with a greater appreciation for the chapters that brought me to this point, where I can connect with others in such a specific way.
What do you like to do when you’re not behind the counter?
I enjoy writing with my husband! We started self-publishing a little over a year ago, and it fulfills that hunger for imagination. Plus, I get to connect more deeply with my partner (Find us at @where_is_oswald on Instagram if you ever want to check us out!).
I also enjoy gardening, hiking, reading, and painting. It’s peaceful to unplug from work and side projects!
Where would you like to be in 10 years?
My big dream is to be a full-time writer, hopefully much sooner than in the next 10 years! I’d love to be in a spot where I can give back more through charity programs revolving around the arts while pursuing that dream.
At some point, a gal’s gotta hang up that apron and step aside for the next generation of hungry chefs.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Suffering is a choice. What do you choose to do?”
I was in a very tough place and weighing some really difficult options. I actually got this advice from a chef who couldn’t stand me, so I knew he’d be honest. I could stay in one situation even if it meant hurting (a lot), or I could rip the band-aid off and start over. He gave me that advice, and I’ve lived by it ever since.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is your favorite Birmingham restaurant? Hands down, Automatic Seafood and Oysters.
What is your ideal Saturday night in Birmingham? Pizitz + Sidewalk Cinema. Grabbing some nosh at the food hall and then going down to that film nerd space is always a blast.
What is the best book you’ve read recently? I hate to choose, but I’m going with The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I’m a little late to the party, but I was so glad it was recommended to me. It’s gross and witty — I love it.
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Erin Slay Wilson
Erin Slay Wilson is the Market Leader for StyleBlueprint Birmingham. She lives in the Crestwood neighborhood with her family and their golden retriever, Butter. When Erin isn't writing and building relationships within the community, she loves to read, go on walks around the city, garden, and scope out treasures at local antique malls.
