The Head Cheese
Brody White
Food, cooking and sharing meals have captivated Brody since a very early age. His fondest memories are either at the dinner table or in the kitchen. At the age of 14 he started his first dishwashing job at a local Kamloops pub and he has never looked back. Now, 20 years later, however removed from the restaurant environment, and norm of cooking hot plated meals he'll tell you he's never felt more like a Chef than he does today.
As the self proclaimed “Charcuterie King of Kamloops” the Thompson Okanagan provide a perfect environment for Brody to focus on his Charcuterie and Salume. The access to amazing Pork and Beef, fruit and vegetables along with the dry, sage infused air provide daily inspiration. He now can be found in his kitchen at the Chop N Block trimming, seasoning, grinding or stuffing or at many of the local farmers markets sharing his latest creations.
The Top Blade
Heather White
After a number of years working in the background on her free time away from her trade of Dental Hygiene and starting her family Heather has now dedicated her working life to the store and business that she has grown to love.
Raised and grazed in kamloops with a natural talent in connecting with people, Heather shines in her roll as Store Manager. Guiding the ship on a daily basis, making sure every customer, team member and purveyor has the best possible experience with our food and business.
Meat our amazing team.
Head Butcher
Daniel Gaisford
Daniel has been working for over 10 years professional fine dining and butchery. Including award winning Vancouver locations such as CRU, Espana and Pete's Meat.
Daniel has been with at the Chop N Block for over 2 years. He quickly became an integral part of our team. His passion for great food and craftsmanship are infectious.
When he is not at work he can be found restoring vintage knives, skiing, sailing and cooking
Senior Charcutier
Ariana White
Ariana grew up in rural Vancouver Island where she learned how to cook, garden and make sausage. After completing her Culinary Arts Diploma at Vancouver Island University, she was drawn to the art of butchery & charcuterie. She wanted the knowledge to give her a competitive edge in the culinary field but now she’s “hooked”.
Since relocating into the interior of BC, and finding her new home with us at the Chop N Block she intends to focus on her family, develop her charcuterie skills, live the farm life, and one day; open up a shop of her own (if we ever let her go).
Ariana’s hobbies include: gardening, fish keeping and cooking
Outgoing Product Manager
Andie Smith
Andie’s story is definitely unique. She was found as a baby in the forests of the Cariboo District of B.C. She was raised as one of their own by a pack of wolves, we believe this may explain why she enjoys sharing space with fellow carnivores in the meat shop. Since leaving the pack for a life as a human she has taken up juggling, knitting and skateboarding.
Team Leader
Kylie Schmidt
Kylie has worked at Chop N Block since 2018. With future aspirations to be a rancher and homesteader, working with meat is a perfect fit for her. She has a passion for dancing, embroidery, and when not at work can be found snuggling with her various pets, whether it be a dog, cat, or chickens!
Team Leader
Onisofien Dodo
Since being a part of the team in 2016, Ofien has grown professionally and in her knowledge of Kamloops culture.
She enjoys reading books & expanding her outlook via educative media. Ofien hopes to pursue a career in the medical field by exploring the human mind & behavior.
Hobbies include singing, dancing and spending time with family & friends.
Team Leader
Janis Mccoy
Janis has been living in Kamloops for the last 14 years with her husband of 25 years, two children and her pitbull Emma. She enjoys walking to relax. She likes cooking and baking and trying new recipes on her family of willing test subjects. Her newest adventure is gardening.
Janis started work at the Chop N Block 5 years ago and now knows most of our customers by name and their families as well.
We all consider Janis the Mom of the shop and she enjoys working with her young co-workers.
Her aspiration is to eventually retire and possibly go back to school but not yet sure what for…
Join our team —
At the Chop N Block, we’re always looking for talented and food centric individuals to join our team. Reach out →
We are currently searching for a butcher with professional cooking experience to join us in the Spring of 2022