Boerne, located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio, just scored a unique addition to its growing food scene. Pioneers Meats, now open at 312 River Road, serves smoky, savory, and deeply traditional cuisines of South Africa and recipes that have been used for generations.
The shop celebrated its ribbon-cutting in mid-November, but the buzz has been building for months as curious passersby noticed the transformation of the former boutique into a modern deli filled with vibrant spices and the rich aroma of cured meats.
Owners Brett de Villiers and Nelson Pereira have brought the flavors of home to Texas. De Villiers grew up in Zimbabwe, and Pereira also hails from South Africa. Their shared dream was to create a space where they could honor the foods they grew up with while sharing them with the Boerne and San Antonio community.
Walking into Pioneers Meats feels like stepping into a bustling market somewhere in South Africa, stocked with items like Biltong (a tender, air-dried meat snack similar to jerky but richer and more flavorful), Boerewors (a hearty, coiled sausage seasoned with warm spices that’s a Southern African barbecue staple), and Droëwors (a spiced, dry sausage that’s a hearty, protein-rich snack).
The shop also serves flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, a favorite for anyone who loves a little heat. Since Southern African cuisine is a blend of international influences, Pioneers Meats also carries select groceries and treats from the U.K., Spain, and other regions.
Whether you’re grabbing sausages for the grill, trying biltong for the first time, or simply curious about new flavors, Pioneers Meats is quickly becoming one of Boerne’s most intriguing new stops.
Vitals
- Address: 312 River Road, Boerne
- Website: https://pioneersmeats.com/
Map to Pioneers Meats
Featured image from Pioneers Meats Facebook page
