Cole and Shelby Svoboda are the husband-and-wife team behind Burdette’s Custom Meats—Ord’s custom butcher shop built on community, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for high-quality Nebraska beef.
THEIR STORY
Burdette’s Custom Meats grew from roots that run deep in agriculture and a desire to bring transparency back to the dinner table. Cole, born and raised in Ord, grew up working cattle, rodeoing, and living the agricultural lifestyle that eventually led him to a degree in Food Science & Technology with a minor in Chemistry. His time as a head butcher helped him discover his true passion: the art of custom cuts and whole-animal breakdowns. He also saw firsthand the nationwide shortage of quality processing facilities—especially here in Nebraska.
Shelby brings the business backbone to the operation with a degree in marketing and a master’s in business administration. Growing up in Colorado and moving to Ord, the difference between store-bought beef and locally raised Nebraska beef was impossible to ignore. Her mission became clear—simplify the process and help families feel confident about what they’re putting on their table.
Together, Cole and Shelby combined their talents and vision to create a shop where customers know exactly where their beef comes from—down to the ranch, the rancher, and the way the animal was raised. Their goal is simple: build meaningful relationships with local producers and provide families with beef they can trust from start to finish.
GROWTH & FUTURE VISION
What began as a small local butcher shop has grown into a trusted source for high-quality, ethically raised Nebraska beef. Over the past year, Burdette’s has formed strong partnerships with local ranchers, allowing them to supply families with quarters, halves, and whole animals—even for customers who don’t raise cattle themselves.
Their reach has grown well beyond the Ord area, now serving customers in Lincoln, Omaha, Colorado, and across the state. Inside the shop, the Svobodas continue to experiment and create—expanding their retail offerings with new recipes, specialty cuts, and innovative products that reflect their commitment to quality.
Through all their growth, their mission has remained the same: support local ranchers, serve customers with integrity, and uphold the craftsmanship that sets Burdette’s apart.
WORKING TOGETHER
At Burdette’s Custom Meats, it truly is just the two of them. Every cut, every product, every conversation, and every order come directly from Cole and Shelby. They break down whole animals, run the storefront, craft new products, and personally build the relationships that give their business heart.
Their work begins with people—the ranchers who raise exceptional cattle and the customers who trust Burdette’s to feed their families. Every package that leaves the shop is personal, crafted with care and respect for the producers who made it possible. It’s small team, small town, big heart.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING LOCAL
Supporting local is more than a kind gesture—it keeps small communities thriving. Every purchase at Burdette’s supports not only a local small business but also the ranching families who make high-quality Nebraska beef possible.
The Svobodas notice every single order, pound, and product purchased. That support fuels their passion and strengthens the agricultural foundation of the community. Buying local means investing in neighbors, preserving tradition, and ensuring that the values and craftsmanship of rural Nebraska continue for generations.
SANDHILLS SMOKESHOW BARBECUE COMPETITION
This October, Burdette’s Custom Meats proudly hosted its first-ever Sandhills Smokeshow Barbecue Competition—and it was an unforgettable success. Seven talented BBQ competitors brought the heat (despite the cold and wind), and families filled the day with energy, laughter, and hometown pride.
Guests enjoyed delicious barbecue, pumpkin painting for kids, and a crowd-pleasing hotdog-eating contest. The Svobodas are deeply grateful to everyone who braved the weather to make this first event such a special one. With the overwhelming support from the community, the Smokeshow is set to become an annual tradition—bigger, better, and even smokier.
Burdette’s Custom Meats is built on hometown pride, hard work, and a commitment to quality you can trust. As Cole and Shelby continue to grow their business, their mission stays the same: support local ranchers, serve their community well, and provide families with beef they can feel good about. They’re grateful for the support of the Ord area and look forward to continuing to grow, connect, and serve for years to come.
For more information on Burdette’s Custom Meats, visit their website at: https://www.burdettesllc.com or follow them on Facebook and/or Instagram at _burdettes