Butcher’s Bone Broth: Founder Thomas Odermatt’s fresh approach to wellness for all
In the wellness world, bone broth has risen from humble origins to superfood stardom. Praised for its collagen-rich, gut-healing properties, this age-old staple has now become a cornerstone of modern diets.
For Thomas Odermatt, founder of “Butcher’s Bone Broth,” this culinary resurgence reflects a personal journey of health, craftsmanship and purpose.
From Swiss Butcher to Bay Area Innovator
Odermatt grew up in Switzerland, deeply immersed in his family’s butchery business, where he absorbed traditional methods of cooking and preparing food that were passed down through generations.
Seeking to merge this heritage with a contemporary vision, he moved to California and launched Roli Roti, the Bay Area’s first gourmet rotisserie food truck. Specializing in farm-to-table meals, Roli Roti quickly became a beloved fixture in the region and as a result, Odermatt developed strong relationships with many local chefs.
“I wanted to bring my family’s values of quality and care into a modern setting,” Odermatt recalls. But his growing success with Roli Roti posed an interesting problem: what to do with all the leftover bones from his rotisserie chickens?
The answer lay in creating bone broth — something he remembered his mother simmering in the kitchen at home. And so the aptly named Butcher’s Bone Broth was born.
A Personal Health Journey
Odermatt’s interest in bone broth wasn’t purely professional. Struggling with allergies and persistent health issues, he found himself searching for clean-label, nutrient-rich foods that would make him feel better instead of worse.
“I needed something that was simple, pure and free from additives,” he said. This personal need shaped his approach to crafting his bone broth recipe — an approach rooted in authenticity and integrity.
Odermatt made it his mission to create a product he could always rely on, and that trust extended to his customers. “People deserve to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies,” he emphasized. “That’s why we never take shortcuts or make substitutions.”
His commitment resonates in an era when many have lost faith in the food industry. Processed foods filled with artificial additives, oils, sugars, preservatives and mystery ingredients have eroded consumer confidence.
Parents, in particular, are increasingly concerned as they observe more and more children struggling with allergies, food intolerance and other health challenges. These conditions can often be linked to poor dietary choices, particularly an overabundance of over-processed foods.
“Food should nourish, not complicate our health,” Odermatt said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about creating something transparent.”
The Process: From Bones to Broth
Odermatt’s process is as meticulous as it is intentional. Each batch of bone broth starts with carefully sourced, high-quality organic bones that are roasted to bring out the full depth of their flavor. They’re then slow-cooked in an open pot for hours, extracting the maximum amount of nutrients and collagen.
What sets Odermatt’s bone broth apart is its freshness. Unlike many other broths, which are shelf-stable and packed with preservatives, his bone broth needs to be refrigerated, so it can maintain its natural taste and nutritional integrity. Odermatt’s broth can be found in the meat aisle of your local grocery store, signifying its fresh, top-of-the-line ingredients.
To ensure consistency and quality, Odermatt employs a unique quality-control practice called “cupping.” Similar to tasting rituals used in the coffee and tea industries, cupping involves evaluating each batch for flavor, texture and the signature gelatinous quality that indicates high collagen content. “When the broth jiggles after it’s chilled, that’s how we know we’ve done it right,” Odermatt said.
Bone Broth’s Superfood Status
As consumers increasingly prioritize holistic personal health and wellness, bone broth has emerged as a nutrient-dense hero. Packed with amino acids like glycine and proline, it supports gut health, reduces inflammation, promotes joint function and even enhances skin elasticity. For those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities, along with anyone looking to heal from a chronic condition, bone broth can be a lifeline.
Odermatt understands the transformative potential of this straightforward yet powerful food. “Bone broth isn’t just a trend — it’s rooted in tradition and offers real, tangible benefits,” he says. “It’s food as medicine.”
A Mission of Trust and Purpose
At the heart of Odermatt’s business is a purpose-driven ethos. For him, bone broth is more than a product — it’s a symbol of his values. “Trust is everything,” he said. “I’m unwilling to cut corners because I know my customers depend on me to deliver something pure and wholesome.”
This dedication is apparent in every aspect of how he runs his company, from sourcing ingredients to designing functional, user-friendly packaging. “Even the 24-ounce bottle is intentional,” he shares. “It’s the perfect size for home cooks or professional chefs, and it’s easy to use whether you’re sipping or cooking.”
A Legacy of Wellness
Odermatt’s story is one of innovation grounded in tradition. From his beginnings in a Swiss butcher shop to his food truck in the Bay Area and now his bone broth company, his journey is a testament to what purpose and passion can accomplish.
As bone broth continues to gain traction as a wellness staple, Odermatt remains focused on his mission to bring nourishment to his customers while honoring the heritage of his craft. “At the end of the day, it’s about making something that helps people feel better, inside and out,” he says.
Whether you use bone broth in cooking your favorite meals, experimenting with new recipes or enjoying it Odermatt’s favorite way — in a mug with a bit of butter and salt — it’s a pantry essential well worth keeping on hand.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Butcher’s Bone Broth: Founder Thomas Odermatt’s fresh approach to wellness for all."
