Space Coast Small Business Spotlight: Forgotten Block Butcher and Market | Cocoa FL
Small Business Spotlight: Forgotten Block Butcher Shop - Cocoa, FLI'm super excited to feature another of my favorite local small businesses with you! This family-owned, local butcher shop in Historic Cocoa Village sells high-quality meats as well as some other products to go along with your meats, like spices, sauces, jams, and more! My first meat purchase from them was St. Louis ribs and they were seriously the best ribs I've ever eaten! I've known this sweet family for a few years now as we first met through my homeschool nature group and they are all-around awesome people. If you're a meat eater, I highly recommend checking them out! Keep reading below for more info on their shop.
What inspired you to open your business?Forgotten Block was born out of a desire to reconnect people with real food, real community, and real craftsmanship. We were inspired by the traditions of old-school butcher shops: places where you knew your butcher, trusted the quality, and understood where your food came from. We saw a gap in our area for a business that prioritized transparency, sustainability, and supporting small farmers, and we knew we could help fill it. Our passion for whole animal butchery, thoughtful sourcing, and creative flavors, drives us every day. It’s about more than just meat, it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, curious, and proud of what they’re feeding their families.
Who is your biggest inspiration in life/business?Our biggest inspiration comes from the way we were raised, the kitchens we grew up in, and the responsibility we After getting married, we moved to Atlanta, where we worked in top tier restaurants alongside celebrated chefs. That time taught us more than just techniques, it revealed the importance of sourcing well, supporting local growers, respecting the land and animals, and cooking with integrity. They helped us understand that real food isn’t just about taste, it’s about how it’s grown, who’s behind it, and how it serves the people eating it. And we realized something else, there aren’t many true butcher shops left. There are meat counters, yes, and grocery store cases, but not many places where you can talk to someone who knows where your meat came from, how it was raised, and how to prepare it with respect. We didn’t want to see that knowledge disappear. We wanted our kids, and the Forgotten Block is our way of carrying that forward. It’s a celebration of tradition, a commitment to sustainability, and a love letter to the people who taught us that food is more than fuel, it’s history, it’s culture, and it’s care.
What do you love most about what you do?We love the way food brings people together. Whether it’s a customer asking how to cook something new, a family picking up dinner, or a kid excited to see the butcher at work—it reminds us why we do this. We get to pass on old skills, support local makers, and help folks eat with more awareness and joy. What is your biggest success with your business to date? What are you most proud of?We’re especially proud every time someone walks in and says, “This reminds me of how things used to be,” or “I’ve never tasted anything like this.” That tells us we’re making an impact. Seeing our kids grow up around this—learning where food comes from, watching us do what we love, and helping out at the shop—that’s the real legacy.
Do you have a memorable moment in your business that you can share with us?One of the most memorable moments for us was the day we signed the lease on our location in historic Cocoa Village. Years before Forgotten Block existed, we lived just down the street. We’d walk this neighborhood every day—pushing a stroller, dreaming about the future, admiring the charm of the area—not knowing that one day, we’d open our brick and mortar shop right here. Five years later, we found ourselves back with two daughters, building something deeply rooted in our values, in a place that already felt like home. It felt like everything had come full circle. Opening in a community we already loved—where we’ve lived, worked, and grown as a family—has made this journey feel even more meaningful. It was never part of the plan, but somehow it was exactly where we were meant to be.
What can your clients expect from you when they order/purchase from you?When clients order or purchase from us, they can expect quality, transparency, and care—every single time. We take pride in knowing exactly where our products come from and how they’re made. Whether it’s a hand-cut steak, house-made charcuterie, or a deli sandwich, everything is crafted with intention using sustainably sourced meats and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. They can also expect a personal experience. We’re not just here to sell food—we’re here to talk cuts, sourcing, swap recipes, and help people feel confident about what they’re eating. We love when customers ask questions or want to try something new, because that connection is what Forgotten Block is all about. At the end of the day, our goal is to make people feel good about what they’re feeding themselves and their families—and to always deliver something that’s a little unexpected, a little old-school, and made with a whole lot of heart.
Tell us three things about you that we might not know.1. It took over 4 years of planning, researching and developing of Forgotten Block 2. We are long distance hikers! We are a strong couple and aware of our capabilities because in 2014 we hiked the Appalachian Trail in its entirety! It took 7 months, we dehydrated and vacc sealed all our meals, planned our stops and put one foot in front of the other from Georgia to Maine. It almost killed us, but it definitely made us stronger! 3. We have worked some amazing gigs! From local hospitals to celebrity chefs and charity organizations. Together.
Name three local businesses you love and why.B & B Candles and Soaps here in Cocoa village makes the tallow skincare for us, think small-batch, hand-poured, and made with real care. We render the grass fed tallow the old-school way so the bars and balms feel rich but sink in clean; the scents are subtle and never try too hard. Beyond the product, Bethany’s been a true friend for about a decade, her husband Matt has been a friend for DECADES and that trust shows in every label and batch. If you want sustainable, locally made body care that feels like home, B & B is it. Dope Little farm: Family-run, scrappy, joyful Dope Little Farms supplies eggs, microgreens, and honey to restaurants across the county one plate at a time. Their microgreens make our boards pop, the honey finishes a cheese plate perfectly, and those eggs? the kind you taste the sunshine in. They share our values on sustainability, transparency, and supporting neighbors, and their hustle is exactly the kind of local food story worth shouting about. Dope Little Farms is the small family operation doing big work for our community. Support local farms! Apothecafe, Keith is an absolute monster behind the coffee beans — consistent, creative, and loved along the county for a reason. Apothecafe’s mushroom blends and mushroom coffees bring that functional-wellness edge without the woo; the vibes and the crowd prove it. They also rock Carter Cafe at the Savannahs in MI, great people, great coffee, and an awesome following. If you want a coffee that hits both flavor and function, this is your stop.
BONUS: Rebellion Wine Bar and Rebellion Bistro. Joe and Michelle run a brilliant wine bar that feels equal parts neighborhood hang and date-night destination. Chad (wine wizard at the wine bar) and Hiji (bistro's liquid chef) are the reason every plate and glass we’ve had there absolutely slaps. Cocktails, wine, or a small plate — everything has been a total killer. Big love to the folks keeping late-night good times classy and delicious. Is there anything else you'd like to share?Just that we’re incredibly lucky to be part of a community where small businesses lift each other up. The people I’ve mentioned aren’t just vendors or fellow shop owners — they’re friends, collaborators, and the reason our local food and drink scene is so special. Every steak, every egg, every cup of coffee, every bar of soap has a story and a family behind it, and that’s worth supporting.
Where can people find you?Website: forgottenblock.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 321.339.9089 Address: 204 Brevard Ave Cocoa Village FL Facebook: Forgotten Block Butcher and Market Instagram: @forgottenblock Other: TikTok @forgottenblock
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Kimberly Tank is an award-winning professional photographer in Rockledge, FL, servicing Brevard County on the Space Coast in Central Florida (including Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Viera and surrounding areas). Using natural light and custom on location sessions, Kimberly Tank specializes in photographing families from babies to seniors and commercial clients, both on land and underwater; providing an exceptional customer experience and helping save you time and preserve this chapter in your life's story. Kimberly Tank is a proud member and ambassador of National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Signup for my monthly newsletter and receive a FREE PDF on taking better photos of your kids! Click HERE Contact Me for more info and/or to book a session
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Kimberly Tank is an award winning professional lifestyle photographer in Rockledge, FL, servicing Brevard County in Central Florida (including Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Viera and surrounding areas). Using natural light and custom on location sessions, Kimberly Tank specializes in photographing families from babies to seniors and underwater photography; providing an exceptional customer experience and helping you capture your story and turn your memories into works of art.