First City Meats has enjoyed a great first year! It really has been an amazing experience connecting with so many people, that are simply happy to have a butcher, excited to see the meat hanging in the cooler, and relieved to be able to find meat from local producers. And now we want to push on to the next level. We want to finish what we started when we built this place and accomplish our goal to get as much local meat to as many local people as possible. I am inviting you to be a part of it.
 

The Problem:

The latest revival of the Local Butcher that we see in urban areas across the country is in the form of a high-end specialty store, with prices that lend themselves to the special occasion, not the regular Wednesday nights. First City Meats pushes back on that and has taken a different approach to its pricing structure, prioritizing our community, and leveraging our access to the whole animal to cover as many price points as possible. You may have heard me say “Whether you are down to your last $10, or you want the most expensive thing to show off to your friends, I always have something for you.” If you don’t know how to cook it, that’s ok, I do. The key to keeping this structure intact is volume. First City Meats was designed to handle 6 times the meat we currently do, but we are lacking in equipment to effectively package, merchandise, and distribute that meat.

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Our Vision:

Imagine going out to eat, getting a burger, and have that money you spent support the restaurant that served you, the neighborhood butcher that custom ground the meat for them, the local family-owned processor, and the local small farm that raised the animal. That is the kind of community that has always been the vision for First City Meats.

The retail shop, and experience is not going anywhere, in fact it will get better with more variety and options, not to mention at home delivery, and more bulk options.

First City Meats wants to change the way our community gets its meat and to do that we need to go beyond and be more than a retail butcher. First City Meats will be a broker for local agriculture to our community directly, and to other businesses and nonprofits that share our desire to elevate our local food system out of the mire of its’ national counterpart.  It has nearly been a year since First City Meats opened its doors, taking the first step in restoring this city’s connection to its food. And with your help we can take the next step to advance our cause.

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Why Support Us:

1. Local Sourcing: By sourcing from local farms, we're supporting our community's economy while reducing our reliance on an inequitable national food system.

2. Integrity: We have a personal relationship with our farmers, and processors, connecting with them is not part of what we do, it’s EVERYTHING we do. It’s how we ensure you have access to meat without it being at the expense of the land or the small farmer.

3. Education and Transparency: We believe in empowering our customers with knowledge about the source of their food and guidance to navigate unfamiliar cuts to a great meal. We'll host workshops, organize farm visits and informative events to create a deeper connection between you and your plate.

4. Tailored Service: Whether you want to take a deep dive into a particular cut, or just grab something already portioned and packaged and be out of here quickly, we got you.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference:

1. Equipment and Facility Upgrades: Investment in state-of-the-art equipment will allow us to process, pack, and present meats in the best possible way.

2. Pricing Stability: Funds will allow us to increase our output, and take on more wholesale business, with that additional volume we can keep retail prices at their current level, making local meat available to everyone.

3. Local Farm Partnerships: Many small farms don’t have a last mile solution to get their harvest to market, but with these funds we aim to be that last mile, running our own truck giving more small farms a presence on the North Shore.

4. Marketing and Outreach: With your support, we'll spread the word about our butcher shop, reaching more people who are passionate about knowing where their food comes from.   ​​

What’s in it for you.

1. "First Pick": as we work with more small farms, and bring in single animals, you will know first and have first dibs.

2. Free Delivery: First City Meats will be adding at home delivery very soon, and you will get that delivery at no additional charge.

3. You are going to get your money back!!: All your contribution will come back to you in store credit, with interest.