Freedom Meat Lockers | Family-Owned Butcher Shop

About Us

A Full-Service
Butcher Shop

We are a family-owned and operated butcher shop, located in Freedom, California. Our shop has been serving the community for decades. We take a traditional, old-school approach to butchery, combined with modern tools and technology to make sure every product is right.

We specialize in premium marinated meats, house-smoked products, custom cuts, and whole animal processing. As a fully licensed county and state-inspected facility, we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety — top ratings for both.

Quality, care, and outstanding service are the core of everything we do.

Call 831-724-4355

What We Do

Our Specialties

Premium Cuts

Filet mignon, ribeye, New York, T-bone, tomahawk, tri-tip, and more — cut fresh in our shop. If you don't see what you need, give us a call.

Marinated Meats

Six house marinades — Wine n' Spice, Spicy Mesquite, BBQ, Whiskey Pepper, Asian Sensation, and Italian — available on skirt steak, tri-tip, chicken, pork, and more.

Custom Cut & Wrap

Whole animal processing tailored to your needs. Bring in your harvest or order in bulk — we cut and wrap to your specifications.

Full Product List

What's in Our Shop

Every marinade is made in house using time-tested family recipes and high-quality ingredients. Six flavors, available on a variety of cuts.

Wine n' Spice

Spicy Mesquite GF

BBQ

Whiskey Pepper

Asian Sensation

Italian GF

Available on: skirt steak, tri-tip, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, pork loin, teres major filets (varies by flavor).

All specialty sausages are handcrafted and house-made. Over 30 flavors of smoked and fresh sausage to choose from.

Smoked Pork Sausages

Bavarian Cheese Cheesy, smoky, garlicky
Jalapeño Cheddar Cheesy, spicy, savory
Fiesta Cheddar Cheesy, spicy, aromatic
Ham & Swiss Cheesy, smoky, mild
Jalapeño Bleu Cheese Cheesy, spicy, tangy
Pepper Jack Cheesy, slightly spicy
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Hearty, smoky (pork & beef)
Portuguese Linguisa Authentic, coarse-ground, tangy
Linguisa Smoky, garlicky, mildly tangy
Hot Cajun Spicy, smoky, bold
Kolbasa Smoky, mild, savory
Croatian Kobasica Coarse-ground, peppery, garlicky
Hot Italian Spicy, fennel-forward
Fresh Sweet Italian Mild, fennel-forward, herby
Breakfast Links Savory, seasoned, juicy
Hot Breakfast Links Spicy, juicy, savory
Louisiana Hot Sharp, spicy, garlicky
Polish Mild, garlicky, smoky
Hawaiian Sweet-heat, fruity (pineapple)
Mucho Mango Sweet, spicy, fruity
Apricot Delight Sweet, tangy, savory
Jeff's Original Garlichoke Garlic & artichoke hearts
Italian Mozzarella Basil Cheesy, herbaceous
Swedish Potato Seasonal, potato & onion
Swiss Style Spice forward, warm
Chorizo Spicy, bold, juicy
Bulk Mild, savory

A large selection of premium steaks, roasts, and fresh cuts in our case. If you don't see what you're looking for, give us a call — we may still have it.

Beef

Filet Mignon
New York Strip
Ribeye
T-Bone
Tomahawk
Teres Major Filet
Top Sirloin
Skirt Steak
Tri-Tip
Ground Beef
Beef Short Ribs
Carne Asada
Chuck Roast
Brisket

Pork & Seafood

Pork Chops (boneless)
Pork Chops (bone-in)
Smoked Pork Chop
Baby Back Ribs
Pork Spare Ribs
Smoked Ham Hocks
Brined Salmon
Crab Legs
Lobster Tails

We also carry a large selection of frozen items — seafood, beef, chicken, pork, bulk sausage, and specialty products.

Smoked jerky and snack sticks, all made in house with a wide variety of flavor options.

Jerky Flavors

Hot
Peppered
Teriyaki
Garlic
Asian Sensation
Hickory

Snack Stick Flavors

Pepperoni
BBQ
Dill Pickle

Beyond the meat counter — deli sandwiches, gourmet pet food, and FML merchandise.

Deli

Hot deli sandwiches made fresh. Tri-tip, burgers, and more — ask about today's options.

Gourmet Pet Food

Human-grade ingredients, no fillers, grain free. Grade A chicken, highest-grade beef liver and heart, and local organic produce. Also smoked and fresh dog bones.

Chicken & Mixed Vegetables
Beef & Mixed Vegetables

Merchandise

Men's and women's hoodies, T-shirts, and hats — available in multiple colors with the FML logo. Ask in store for current availability.

Our Story

A Legacy of Family,
Quality & Tradition

Freedom Meat Lockers is a family-owned and operated butcher shop that has been serving the community for decades.

The journey began when Howard Sr. leased the Hi-Grade meats building from the Rassmussen family. Jordan Rassmussen — a Danish immigrant, old-school butcher, World War I veteran, and prisoner of war — was a true inspiration. The Rassmussen family built the original barn-shaped structure on Hi Grade Lane in 1948. They retired in 1964.

Howard Walker Sr. and his son Howard Walker Jr. came across the old-time butcher shop in 1968. In 1969 they leased it for $350 a month. The father-son duo worked together until 1976, when Howard Sr. partially retired. Howard Jr. then purchased the building that same year on a handshake deal.

In the years that followed, Howard and his wife Debbie continued to grow the business. Today, all three generations work side by side, maintaining the family tradition of excellence and commitment to the community.

Fun fact: the original barn-shaped structure on Hi Grade Lane was built in 1948 and is still standing strong to this day.

Howard and Debbie Walker, owners of Freedom Meat Lockers

The Owners

Howard & Debbie Walker

Howard and Debbie have been the owners of Freedom Meat Lockers since 1969. What started as a father-son operation has grown into a three-generation family business — some employees have been with them for over 30 years.

Through hard work and dedication, the Walkers have built their small family business into a staple of the Freedom community. They remain family-owned and operated to this day.

"The legacy continues with all three generations working side by side, maintaining the family tradition of excellence and commitment to the community."

Award-Winning Quality

Competition Results

Members of AMP (American Association of Meat Processors) and CAMP (California Association of Meat Processors). We enter our products in annual competitions judged by industry experts.

2026

Grand Champion — Hickory Jerky
Grand Champion — Breakfast Links
Grand Champion — Portuguese Linguica
Grand Champion — Chicken Apple Breakfast Sausage
Grand Champion — Mozzarella Basil Cooked Sausage
Reserve Grand Champion — Boneless Ham
Reserve Grand Champion — Smoked Salmon
Reserve Grand Champion — Whole Smoked Turkey
Champion — BBQ Snack Stick
Champion — Italian Mozzarella Basil Sausage
Champion — Croatian Kolbasa
Champion — Bone in Ham
★ Joe Cutler Best of Show — Freedom Meat Lockers, Mozzarella Basil Sausage
★ Bob Dees Jerky & Snack Stick Craftsmanship Award

2025

Grand Champion — Smoked Boneless Ham
Grand Champion — Smoked Turkey Breast
Grand Champion — Mozzarella Basil Sausage
Reserve Grand Champion — Bone in Ham
Reserve Grand Champion — Smoked Beef Bacon
Reserve Grand Champion — Pepperoni Snack Stick
Champion — Hickory Jerky
Champion — Deli Smoked Turkey Breast

2024

Grand Champion — Boneless Ham
Grand Champion — Hickory Jerky
Grand Champion — Breakfast Links
Grand Champion — Croatian Kobacica
Reserve Grand Champion — Hickory Smoked Bacon
Reserve Grand Champion — Smoked Deli Turkey
Reserve Grand Champion — Old Fashioned Hot Dogs
Reserve Grand Champion — Polish Sausage
Reserve Grand Champion — Fresh Swiss Sausage
Reserve Grand Champion — Chicken Apple Breakfast Links
Reserve Grand Champion — Mozzarella Basil Sausage
Champion — Bone in Ham
Champion — Maple Pepper Bacon
Champion — Summer Sausage
Champion — Honey Chili Garlic Smoked Salmon

2023

Grand Champion — Boneless Ham
Grand Champion — Fresh Sweet Italian Sausage
Grand Champion — Mozzarella Basil Sausage
Grand Champion — Smoked Turkey
Reserve Grand Champion — Hickory Jerky
Reserve Grand Champion — Garlichoke Sausage
Reserve Grand Champion — Polish Sausage
Champion — Bone in Ham
Champion — Chicken Apple Breakfast Links
Champion — Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage
Champion — Croatian Kobacica

Freedom Meat Lockers is a proud member of both AMP (American Association of Meat Processors) and CAMP (California Association of Meat Processors). By attending their annual conventions, we have the opportunity to enter our products into competitions judged by industry experts — events that inspire innovation and give us the chance to refine both traditional and new recipes.

Customer Reviews

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★

"This is the real deal — almost impossible to find an authentic butcher shop. Products are excellent, the service even more excellent. The owner, third generation, stopped what she was doing to find me what I was looking for. I will not forget her kindness."

Kathy J.

★★★★★

"Outstanding sandwiches, ground beef and service! Love this place. Everyone is always super friendly and quality is the best."

Jordan F.

★★★★★

"Incredible meat selections in marinades, full deli, and many other delicious foods. Get a deli sandwich for lunch and pick up a bunch of meat to cook for dinner!"

Ken E.

★★★★★

"We had the tri tip sandwich — it's the best and very filling. The staff is great and helpful. I've been coming here for as long as I can remember. Best cuts and quality. They even have crab and fish. Hands down best butcher and crew."

Marnie L.

★★★★★

"Outstanding customer service! I was amazed and thankful for all the patience and recommendations given to me since it was my first time. There are so many options to choose from and affordable prices."

Jose C.

★★★★★

"Surprised by how absolutely amazing this little shop is — 100% worth the drive. The meats are perfectly cooked and they're super helpful in helping you decide what you want because there are so many options."

Cori D.

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