Behind the Business: Kevin MacDonald

There’s a new butcher on the block.

But not really.

Kevin MacDonald, a 29-year-old Lakewood native who started working at  right out of high school, recently took over the community staple on Detroit Avenue.

He bought the 30-year-old business from his mentor John Masielle, who retired in August. 

MacDonald, who grew up around the corner on Marlowe Avenue, has been going to TJ’s his whole life.

After five years on the job, MacDonald knew he wanted to someday run the shop.

“I have passion for food — this is what I like doing,” he said. “(Masielle) taught me everything — buying, cutting, running the business. He’s a hard-working guy — a tremendous person. He gave me an incredible opportunity.”

MacDonald said he was a little nervous about taking over the shop, worried that he may lose customers. 

It just hasn’t been the case.

“The reception that I have gotten since I took over has been amazing,” he said. 

At home, life has been just as busy. MacDonald and his fiancée, Meredith, have a 16-month-old daughter, Gretchen, at home, and another baby on the way.

We thought we take a few minutes to get to know MacDonald — to know what makes him tick. Our take on the Proust Questionnaire, crafted by French writer Marcel Proust, seems like a perfect fit.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Lakewood, besides your own? 

Your chief characteristic: My personality. I like to think I am a pretty funny person.

Favorite characteristic in friends: Loyalty.

Your idea of happiness: My family, my daughter, the future. It makes waking up six days a week worth it, knowing that I am going to provide for them.

Your idea of misery: Failure, not being able to do what I just talked about.

If not yourself, who would you be: Bernie Kosar of the 80s.

Favorite hero in fiction: Superman. He’s a nerd. No one knows anything about him. And then all of a sudden he pulls out this superhuman strength to make a better society. Not that I am like him, but I’d like to be.

Favorite artist: Monet.

Favorite musician: Metallica.

Favorite heroes in real life: My parents for sure. John, my boss. They don’t make ‘em like him. He doesn’t have children so I am the one he never wanted. My biggest fear isn’t money, it’s not living up to his standard.

Favorite food, favorite drink: Gyro, Bud Light.

What I hate the most: Laziness; people being late.

Your favorite motto: Yesterday's the past, tomorrows the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.