By Toni-Elena Gallo
Alan Blanco is doing his part to keep two East Setauket staples alive: The Butchers Market, previously Setauket Quality Meats, at 232 Main St., and Setauket Seafood at 230 Main St..
Both establishments have been in existence for over 40 years — the fish store, previously owned by Eddie Lin, and the meat shop and butcher, most recently owned by Brittany McClung.
“I worked at Savino’s Hideaway, near Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, for many years, and I had a relationship [with Eddie] because the restaurant has bought fish from him for years. So, one day, he said he was selling and that no one was interested in buying,” Blanco said.
“And [he turned to me] and said, ‘Do you want to buy it?’”
Coincidentally, the butcher shop was also up for sale, and Blanco decided why not buy both.
When speaking about the businesses’ beloved status in East Setauket, Blanco added, “I love this neighborhood, and I know the community did not want to see these businesses go under. And, I thought maybe it was time for me to go [into business] for myself.”
Blanco has owned the fish store for about six months and acquired the butcher’s around two months ago.
He says that his main priority is staying true to the customer experience the community has been accustomed to for generations.
“We want to keep the stores’ reputations high. Eddie is still helping me out,” Blanco continued.
“I want to keep the businesses’ legacies alive and provide good, quality produce.”
The primary change Blanco is bringing to these institutions is the incorporation of prep-prepared, which he said will make it easy for customers to “grab and go.”
Both the fish and meat stores will offer selections such as sausage and peppers, chicken francese, Italian-style meatballs, cooked fish and even vegetarian options such as eggplant parmesan.
While Blanco continues to apply his personal touches to the shops, he is just glad that the stores did not have to “disappear forever.”
“I am very excited to be here, and I’ve received such positive feedback from the community. More food options will be available in the near future,” he said.
