This study investigated the consumer perceptions about special butchers, also known as “gourmet meat shops”. The objective was to list the factors that contribute to a differentiated perception of gourmet meat shops and whether these factors are related to coordination of quality in clusters of differentiated quality meat. Methodological procedures of qualitative research were adopted. Three case studies were described in gourmet meat shops located in São Paulo, Goiânia and Florianópolis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with owners and consumers at different times of purchase, during weekdays and weekends. The study concluded that the provision of differentiated services and the adoption of strict coordination mechanisms ensure a positive consumer perceptions about the quality of meat purchased in gourmet meat shops.