Charlie the Butcher
Chef – Beef on Weck
Business – Charlie the Butcher
About Charlie the Butcher
Charlie the Butcher: Buffalo’s Carving Master and Culinary Icon
When it comes to Buffalo, New York, the city is celebrated for its unique cuisine, and few individuals embody this culinary heritage better than Charlie Roesch—better known as “Charlie the Butcher.” With his larger-than-life personality and an even bigger love for roast beef, Charlie has become a beloved icon in Buffalo, carving his way into the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Buffalo
Charlie Roesch isn’t just any butcher—he’s part of a dynasty that has been serving Buffalo for over a century. His family’s relationship with meat dates back to Charlie’s great-grandfather, Jacob Roesch, who ran his own shop at Buffalo’s historic Washington Market in the late 1800s. This tradition continued with Charlie’s grandfather, Charles E. Roesch, who founded the Charles E. Roesch & Company meat business in 1914 and later served as Buffalo’s mayor from 1930 to 1934.
For decades, the Roesch family was a mainstay at the Broadway Market, a Buffalo landmark, where they became well-known for their high-quality meats. Charlie, representing the third generation, stepped up to carry the legacy forward, but with a modern twist that would elevate his family’s reputation even further.
The Creation of a Local Treasure
While Charlie continued the family’s traditional meat business, his defining moment came when he leaned into one of Buffalo’s most unique culinary creations—the Beef on Weck sandwich. A combination of thinly sliced, juicy roast beef served on a salty Kummelweck roll (topped with caraway seeds) and paired with horseradish, this sandwich is a regional delicacy that locals hold dear.
Although the origins of Beef on Weck date back to Buffalo in the 1800s, Charlie perfected it and made it a cultural icon by showcasing it both locally and nationally. What began as a family meat market transformed into “Charlie the Butcher’s Kitchen,” complete with restaurants and catering services that center this beloved sandwich. From casual diners to international crowds, everyone delights in Charlie’s flavor-packed creations.
Taking Buffalo’s Food Scene Global
Charlie isn’t just a local treasure—he has taken Buffalo’s culinary pride across the country and the globe. Adorned in his signature “Charlie the Butcher” apron and white hardhat, his appearances on national television shows like Good Morning America and The Food Network gave him the chance to showcase the hearty simplicity and rich traditions of Buffalo cuisine.
From Dallas to Düsseldorf, Charlie has carved roast beef for crowds who often get their first taste of Buffalo’s signature sandwich thanks to his efforts. Whether it’s a Super Bowl cook-off or a local charity event, Charlie enthusiastically spreads the word about Buffalo’s food culture, becoming the city’s unofficial culinary ambassador.
Giving Back to Buffalo
Charlie’s success isn’t just measured in sandwiches sold—he’s also made an undeniable impact on his community. Over the years, his business has grown to include multiple locations, including franchise operations in Wegmans stores and convenient carve stations in busy suburbs, employing nearly 70 people.
More importantly, Charlie has used his success to support the local community. Whether partnering with beloved Buffalo institutions or hosting backyard barbecues, Charlie has consistently shown that he’s as invested in building community as he is in crafting the perfect roast beef.
The family tradition is also alive and well. His son, Tim, represents the fifth generation of Roesch family members carrying the mantle of Charlie the Butcher, ensuring that the passion for Buffalo cuisine and family values remains a central part of the enterprise.
A Culinary Icon for the Ages
Charlie Roesch exemplifies all the things that make Buffalo special—hard work, authenticity, and a deep love for quality food. His Beef on Weck sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a symbol of Buffalo hospitality, warmth, and local pride. Through generations of service, Charlie the Butcher has become more than just a restaurateur. He is a living, carving, sandwich-making testament to everything Buffalo stands for.
For those living in Buffalo or just passing through, a visit to one of Charlie the Butcher’s locations is more than a meal, it’s an invitation to taste the heart of the city. The next time you sink your teeth into a Beef on Weck, take a moment to thank Charlie—and the generations of Roesch family members—who have made it all possible.