Capitol Hill’s last butcher shop facing closure after 16 years as landlord moves on

The last butcher shop in Capitol Hill is facing closure after nearly 16 years inside Melrose Market.

Rain Shadow Meats’ lease is expiring, and the landlord has decided to go in another direction, rather than allow the owner to re-sign, Russ Flint, owner of Rain Shadow Meats, announced via social media.

“Almost two years ago, I was given the choice of a one – or two‑year lease. I chose the two‑year option and have been actively looking for a new space ever since,” Flint posted on Instagram. “I’ve tried to leave it up to the universe and allow things to play out.”

Flint noted that he is actively searching for a new space for Rain Shadow Meats to call home, but if not, the company may have to close its doors for good.

At the moment, Rain Shadow Meats is preparing for its last day inside the Melrose Market on Dec. 23, barring a new lease agreement in the meantime. The shop will remain open each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until then.

“This business has been more of a struggle than a path to prosperity, but we have survived,” Flint stated. “That is entirely because of you — our customers. I also would not be here without the amazing staff who have stood behind the counter over the years. I am deeply grateful. Thank you for being part of this journey, and stay tuned for updates on a new space.”

Seattle butcher’s path from Whole Foods to 16 years inside Melrose Market

Rain Shadow Meats is a full-service butchery that features all local meats, house-made charcuterie, and a custom curing room. Flint entered the butchery industry in 1999 at Larry’s Market, assisting customers and cleaning up the shop at night.

Years later, Flint moved to Whole Foods Market, where he learned to cut meat. During his five years with Whole Foods, he learned to make sausage, cut chickens, pork, lamb, and beef, “truly seeing the importance of naturally raised meat.”

At Whole Foods, Flint met Renee Erickson, the owner of the French bistro in Seattle named Boat Street Cafe. In 2004, Flint left the butchery industry to cook as the sous chef for Erickson at the Boat Street Cafe.

In early 2009, Erickson brought Flint to the Melrose Market, where Flint saw the potential in opening up a butcher shop in what he believed would be the “perfect space.”

“The idea that the rest of the space would be filled with fellow like-minded food vendors seemed too good to pass up,” the company stated.

Flint opened Rain Shadow Meats in 2010, utilizing a small 600-square-foot, triangular butcher shop to build up what quickly became a popular destination within Seattle.

Rain Shadow Meats expanded to Pioneer Square in 2013, although after roughly five years, the location closed.

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