The Butter-nut Sport Shop originated in the late 1950’s by Bill Greene Sr. Originally an automotive shop, Bill started business on the Northside of Syracuse on Wolf St with a car dealership. Eventually shifting gears towards firearms and hunting accessories, Bill moved his business to Butternut Street and formed the Butternut Sport Shop. In a small, two-story building, Bill lived in and operated his business for several years, while continuing to run the car dealership on Wolf Street. Eventually, the need to expand led to the final move, to 1103 Lodi Street, where Bill bought a large building that was once an ice factory. He spent years building and renovating this property until it suited his entire business ideal. In 1970 he opened the doors on the Lodi Street location and renamed the business the Butter-nut Sport Shop.
Between 1970 to the mid-80’s the Butter-nut Sport Shop was the leading firearms retailer in the CNY area, selling thousands of firearms per year. Bill’s expertise in gunsmithing, learned from his armory days in the USMC, led to the Butter-nut Sport Shop being one of the very few onsite gunsmithing establishments in CNY. Along with the firearms, Bill repaired, built and sold motorcycles and sports cars.
Eventually, Bill expanded the business into a full used-car dealership, as well as operating a farm in Port Byron and dealing in heavy equipment. This led to the Butter-nut Sport Shop limiting hours to two days a week. This lasted for many years, up until Bill’s passing.
2020
April 29, 2020 was one of the hardest days that the Butter-nut Sport Shop has ever had to overcome. William “Wild Bill” Greene passed at the age of 87, just a month shy of his 88th birthday. On this day, the weight of the world fell upon our shoulders to continue running this decades old business. Amid the pandemic brought on by COVID-19, our team established Butter-nut Sport Shop Inc. and have opened business at the Butter-nut Sport Shop beginning as soon as the state’s reopening phases allowed.
We are currently operating on a rotating schedule at the Butter-nut Sport Shop. We are operating on all points of firearms, ammunition, and powder sales, as well as gunsmithing and repairs. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with our hours.
Thank you for your interest in our business and our family.
Come on down to MY GRANDPA’S gun store!
Michael “Jack” Serrao
General Manager
