Hank Kornblut could have had the life of an academic, teaching English literature to students, and maybe writing a"great American novel." How lucky we are that the setting for his life's story became the family business, running the second generation of Mister Brisket, a no-frills butcher shop in Cleveland Heights that will celebrate 50 years in 2024.

I ask Hank about the store's iconic name, what they offer that's different than grocery stores, and why everyone is crazy about brisket. He also shares how, over the years, he's pivoted the shop into new directions including being a purveyor of meats for professional BBQ competitions all across the United States.

This episode is presented in partnership with Chef Douglas Katz and the Katz group of restaurants and the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau. Stay tuned for an episode all about fall fun in Ashtabula County!