Herb’s Meats and Specialty Foods, Boulder’s beloved mom-and-pop butcher shop, is pulling up stakes after 34 years.

Founded in 1975 by Herb Dillard, the spot has focused exclusively on all-natural, antibiotic-, hormone-, and steroid-free meats and poultry long before the idea became trendy. In addition to a full array of custom-cut meat, Herb’s is also known for raw, gourmet pet foods and all-natural frozen foods, such as flaky chicken pot pies, rustic pork and chicken green chiles, earthy tamales, and soulful homemade soups.

In its hey-day during the 1980s, Herb’s drew long lines and boasted 16 employees—more than five times the size of the current staff. Over time, however, increased grocery competition, fewer meat-eaters, and higher rent have worked against the tiny store’s bottom line.

Originally slated for an August move, Herb’s owners Richard and Kristine Grass are currently scouting for a new location in Broomfield—where taxes are favorable and rent is half the cost—and hope to be open by early 2010.

2530 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303-499-8166