Our Team
Our team is specifically designed to have former chefs and industry experts at every position. Our goal is not to simply sell products, it’s to meet you where you are on your culinary journey and push you further down that path every time you come in. We are here to assist you with product selection, product pairing and menu development. We are here to share our culinary passion with you, and years of experience, in an effort to help you make the most of your at-home cooking experience. Your quality of life genuinely matters to us, and we feel that creating more excitement around the table is one way to help you get more fulfillment out of your day!
CONNOR BONEY
CEO & OWNER
Atlanta is my home and the community here has been an integral part of my life. I am excited to now be able to personally give back to those who have given me so much over the years. It is my belief that we should all seek to have an impact on the people and places around us. I am grateful that my passion for food has created an outlet to connect with those around me, and as a result, helps elevate that passion in others while making it fun at the same time. Fellowship at the table is something we all have come to appreciate more under the unprecedented circumstances in 2020. My hope is that Buckhead Butcher Shop becomes synonymous with creating the best at-home cooking experiences possible. A good meal starts with the right materials, and I am confident that we will always serve the best. I co-own and operate Revere Meat Company, the finest foodservice processing and distribution company in the state. The same products we sell to the region’s white tablecloth restaurants, I will carry here for the great people of this city, so they can recreate that level of dining experience in the comfort of their own homes.
KATIE BONEY
Chief Financial Officer
My name is Katie Boney. I am an Atlanta native, Connor's wife, and a mom of two little girls and a little boy. Although I am not equipped with a culinary background, I love to be around food and never fail to bring a large appetite wherever I go. I love my role at Buckhead Butcher Shop because it allows me to work with our incredible vendors, who supply us with the highest quality meats and proteins, and also directly alongside our incredible team of culinary experts in the Shop. Opening Buckhead Butcher Shop has been such a natural and fun way to serve our community and it has been a joy to watch it grow from truck sales in our front yard to the amazing in-store experience it has become. I am also passionate about our presence in this community and being able to give back to those who give so much to us and will continue to help spearhead these projects.
When I am not working at BBS, I am spending time with my kids and listening to 92.9 The Game to make sure I am always in-the-know on the latest ATL sports scoop. Some may say my CFO title more accurately stands for "Chief Falcons Officer.” Rise up, and thank you all for your tremendous support!
Leonard Lewis
Executive Chef & Head of Culinary Events
I learned to cook in my grandmother’s kitchen in my hometown of Albany, Georgia. I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta where I graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts. I have been working in kitchens since 1992, most recently serving as the Executive Chef of Bones Restaurant where I earned a James Beard Nomination for Best Chef: Southeast.
My entire career I always thought the best way to connect my passion for food with people was to cook for them. I reached the pinnacle of that practice at Bones and enjoyed every minute of it. However, life has changed and I wanted to connect my passion directly, instead of indirectly, with the consumer. Being part of Buckhead Butcher Shop was an easy move. At BBS I get to teach and encourage people to broaden their culinary horizons and grow their skills so they ultimately begin to enjoy cooking more and do it more often. Cooking, and fellowship at the table, is a quality of life booster. Do it more often and I guarantee you will enjoy life more. That's what I think and my thoughts line up exactly with the mission of BBS. I am excited to connect with all of our customers, learn where they are and where they want to be in the culinary journey, and coach them along that road.
I oversee our culinary program offering Chef Demonstrations, Cooking Classes, Private Dining, and much more!
SAM FENDER
Co-General Manager, Back of House Manager
I started in the food industry 10 years ago at one of the largest seafood distributors in the Southeast where I packed orders for restaurants and grocery stores. I learned a lot about varieties of fish, how they are brought from the seas to Atlanta and how they are cut and packaged for customers to receive the freshest product possible. Due to this knowledge and experience, I was offered a job at Revere Meat Co. as Seafood Production Manager, and later Seafood Purchaser and Department Manager, where I was able to work with the best quality seafood I had ever seen. Bringing my experience from Revere Meat Co. to Buckhead Butcher Shop has been a great fit and I am excited about the growth we have shown since opening. As an avid home cook, speaking with customers about what they are cooking and what I have been cooking on my Kamado Joe is one of my favorite parts of the job.
KATHERINE MERLINO
Marketing & Social Media Director
I was born and raised in Atlanta and have been lucky enough to call Buckhead home for most of my life. I’ve always found joy in delicious food, enjoyed around the table with friends and family. So when I was offered an opportunity to help grow a locally owned, community focused shop that fills a much needed void in Buckhead, I jumped on board. I’m so excited to help showcase the high quality proteins and provisions that Buckhead Butcher Shop offers and hopefully inspire you to start new traditions in your own home.
Prior to joining the BBS family, I graduated from the University of Georgia and moved to Washington, D.C. to work on Capitol Hill. During that time, I developed a passion for the dining experience - from waiting in line for hours at America’s Best New Restaurant to secret supper clubs and home cooked meals sourced from local markets, my eyes were opened to the importance of quality ingredients and the people you share them with. Buckhead Butcher Shop prides itself on those two principals to bring you an unparalleled experience from start to finish and I am thrilled to help share that with you.
These days, when I’m not showing off everything Buckhead Butcher Shop has to offer on Instagram (@buckheadbutchershop), I’m probably boppin around town with my husband, son and daughter or cheering on our Atlanta Falcons, Braves and Georgia Bulldogs!
SPENCER JONES
Business Development Director
Born in Atlanta and raised in Macon, I have spent my life surrounded by those who appreciate great food, love to cook and enjoy sharing that love with family and friends. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Communications, I gained invaluable experience working in sales which allowed me to build relationships throughout the country and instill in myself an unmatched attention to detail. Naturally, the same excitement my family has regarding food was passed on to me and I take great joy in cooking a fantastic meal, or helping someone else to do the same. Heading up the Gifting arm of Buckhead Butcher Shop, my role is exactly that. With my knowledge of the product and passion for new experiences, let us help you in providing a unique and delicious gift to your friends, family, colleagues or whomever it may be to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of their own home.
When I am not in the shop, you can find me playing golf, talking UGA football with anyone who will listen or checking out a new restaurant with my wife, Maggie and son, Charlie; extra points if they are pet friendly for my dog, Winston.
Annika Miller
Event Planner
I was raised in Peachtree City, Georgia. I have always had a love for trying new foods, restaurants, and dining experiences. I worked in many different types of restaurants before my time at Buckhead Butcher Shop. I learned not only about the inner workings of creating the perfect meal, but about how much I enjoy giving guests an experience to remember. I enjoy helping people and creating a meaningful connection with everyone I cross paths with. At Buckhead Butcher Shop, I am able to connect guests with not only a unique experience like no other, but also go above and beyond to make their visions come to life. One of my biggest passions is traveling and by trying so many different dishes from various locations and cultures, as well as dining experiences, I feel as though I bring the best of what I have learned with me to share with everyone around me. I’m here to help guide guests through the process of creating a memorable event and make it as enjoyable and seamless as possible.
Outside of work I enjoy traveling, spending time with loved ones and animals, riding horses, trying new restaurants, and flying with my Dad, Mom, and Sister. Family is the most important thing to me and I have them to thank for making me the person I am today.
If you are interested in booking an event, please fill out this link. Thank you!
Ashley Spears
Bar Manager
Born and raised in Marietta, GA, I have always loved to be around people while my love for cooking began as my family taught me everything from baking to grilling. I received my BS in Sociology from Kennesaw State University and used my studies to learn more about relationships between people, how they gather, and celebrate fellowship with their peers. The combination of these two passions, food and people, led me to Roswell, GA which began my service industry journey.
With over 10 years of experience, I have learned that you can be just as creative, passionate and expressive with spirits and cocktails as you can with an elaborate entree.
My goal at Buckhead Butcher Shop is to teach others about the quality of various spirits and create an unforgettable experience during your private events. I aim to showcase the best wine, beer and spirits available and teach you to make an exceptional cocktail at home! Hopefully I can inspire you to try new drinks, create special memories, and foster an unforgettable evening with your friends and family.
When I’m not shaking up a mezcal margarita, you can catch me cheering on the Braves at Truist Park, kayaking down the river, roaming around a bookstore or vibing out to whatever concert is in town. Cheers!