Trust Restaurant Group To Transform North Park’s Heart & Trotter Into The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery

Trust Restaurant Group (TRG) announced today that it has inked a deal with long-time friends, James Holtslag and Trey Nichols of the Heart & Trotter, to assume ownership and operation of the North Park butchery.

Set to close on Labor Day for a week-long interior refresh and reconfiguration, the newly branded The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery will continue to offer choice and prime beef to premium dry-aged beef and wagyu, plus pork, poultry, and seafood, as well as marinated ready-to-cook meats and house-made sausages.

In addition to curated grocery items, deli, and craft beer selection, Trust Restaurant Group’s Wine Director Ben Zuba will manage the wine program in keeping with the group’s focus on boutique domestic and international producers. The butcher shop will house an on-site eatery featuring a menu of all custom sandwiches, cheeses and charcuterie.

“Our expansion plans have always included a butcher shop, and the Heart & Trotter location and neighborhood align with our vision for Trust Restaurant Group,” said Brad Wise, Executive Chef and Owner. “We go way back with James and Trey and are happy to have the opportunity to take over the space where they’ve built an incredible reputation. We’ll put our own TRG spin on it as more of a family market where locals can shop for quality meats and basic groceries and enjoy casual bites and beverages.”

The meat and charcuterie program will be overseen by Ryan Sharpe. Known as the “Meat Guy,” Sharpe discovered his passion for protein working with Craig Deihl and Bob Cook of Cypress Restaurant and Artisan Meat Share. The BBQ enthusiast will also work alongside Wise to launch a weekend BBQ menu in the fall.

Continued Wise, “One of the positive things that’s come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it’s brought our TRG team closer together. So, I’m also thrilled to be able to partner with and welcome Ryan to the family. We share the same love for house-cured meats and the art of butchery.”

Located at 2855 El Cajon Blvd, The Wise Ox will be open from 10am-7pm Tuesday through Sunday.

About The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery

The Wise Ox, located at 2855 El Cajon Blvd, Suite #1, San Diego, CA 92104, is the latest concept by Trust Restaurant Group which includes the acclaimed Trust Restaurant in Hillcrest; Fort Oak, San Diego’s Best New Restaurant 2019, in Mission Hills; retro steakhouse, Rare Society, in University Heights; and all-day bakery and Italian eatery, Cardellino, and Mr. Trustee Creamery in Mission Hills. The Wise Ox will be open from 10am-7pm Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.thewiseoxsd.com or call 619-564-8976. Connect on Instagram or Facebook @thewiseoxsd.

Stay healthy, San Diego!