During yesterday’s Seahawks game, we received an email from a reader who let us know that A&J Meats is closing after 63 years in business on Queen Anne. A true Queen Anne fixture, the butcher at 2401 Queen Anne Ave N draws loyal customers from both our neighborhood and beyond.

I was already planning to head to A&J after the game to pick up something for dinner. They close at 6pm and I got there as they were closing up for the night. However, true to their exceptional customer service, they offered to get me anything I needed.

It’s that type of customer service that will be missed by many Queen Anne residents. Rick and Julia, A&J’s owners, have decided to retire and close the business at the end of this month. Rick’s been working in the family business since age 11, so it makes sense for him – but it’s going to be a big loss for our neighborhood.

A&J opened for business on Queen Anne in 1951 at the corner of W McGraw St and 6th Ave W. Rick’s father, Jerry Friar – the “J” in A&J – started the market with a business partner. He moved A&J to its current location on the corner of Queen Anne Ave N and McGraw St in 1972. Rick took over the business in 1989. Now, 25 years later, he’s ready to retire the family business.

The shop will be open through the Thanksgiving holidays, and I was advised to let readers know to get holiday orders in asap – so if you’ve been putting off ordering a fresh turkey, rib roast, or whatever else graces your Thanksgiving table, do it today.

In an online world, A&J has always remained old-school, so get your orders in via phone (206-284-3885) or stop by in-person (note: they’re closed on Mondays). Either way, be sure to say goodbye to the great staff at A&J and wish them well in their next endeavors.