In a world where most of us do our grocery shopping in large, brightly lit supermarkets, it is easy to forget that there is another way to buy food. Tucked away on street corners and main streets across the country, small specialty shops still operate using a different set of rules. They focus on personal relationships, product knowledge, and quality over convenience.
Wilkes Meat Market is a perfect example of this old-school approach done right. Located in Cumming, Georgia, with deep roots in the state, this family business has been serving customers since 1969. By looking at how they operate, we can learn valuable lessons about what it takes to run a successful local butcher shop in the modern age.
This article explores the story of Wilkes Meat Market, breaks down their business practices, and shows why customers keep coming back for their quality meat and more.
Every independent business has aanorigin story, and the Wilkes family history is rich with meat-cutting tradition. The journey began long before the current store opened its doors. Kretzer Wilkes learned the basics of cutting meat as a young boy watching his father and grandfather in Greene County, Georgia.
He later worked for a large grocery chain, but the dream of running a family operation never left him. In 1974, he joined his siblings in business, eventually buying the store and passing his skills down to his son, Ronnie. This is the kind of history you cannot replicate in a corporate boardroom. When you walk into Wilkes Meat Market, you are buying food from people who have spent their entire lives learning how to properly handle and prepare it.
Today, the business remains a third-generation, family-owned staple in the community . This continuity builds trust. Customers know that the values their parents appreciated are still in place today.
What actually draws people to a butcher shop instead of the grocery store? For most customers, it comes down to two things: selection and quality.
Wilkes does not try to be everything to everyone. Instead, they focus on being the best at one thing. They specialize in high-quality offerings, most notably Certified Angus Beef. This is not just a fancy label; it is a certification that guarantees the beef meets strict standards for marbling and tenderness .
When you buy a steak here, you know it is going to be good. This focus on quality meat is the foundation of their brand. They also offer wild game processing, homemade sausage, and a full line of deli items.
One of the most surprising aspects of this market is its seafood selection. Even though Cumming is not on the coast, the market offers an impressive array of fresh seafood. You can find items like Savannah Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Chilean Sea Bass, and Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes.
This variety accomplishes two things. First, it gives customers a reason to choose the local shop over the supermarket for all their protein needs. Second, it turns a routine shopping trip into something special. You might go in for a pound of ground chuck and walk out with fresh oysters for a weekend treat.
Have you ever stood in the meat aisle of a big store w, wondering how to cook a particular cut of meat? At a local butcher, you do not have to wonder.
The staff at Wilkes is known for being helpful and knowledgeable. They can answer questions, offer cooking advice, and even cut something special just for you. If you are hosting a dinner party and need a specific thickness for your pork chops, they can handle that.
This service extends to catering as well. They offer catering packages for events, though they require a few days’ notice to ensure everything is perfect. This shows respect for their own craft and for the customer’s event.
A recurring theme in the success of Wilkes Meat Market is its deep connection to the local area. This is not just a place to spend money; it is a community institution.
The market works closely with local suppliers who share their dedication to excellence. This creates a network of local businesses supporting one another. It also shortens the distance between the farm and your dinner table.
One of the most telling signs of their commitment to community support is their payment policy. The market proudly accepts Food Stamps . In a world where healthy, high-quality food is often priced out of reach for low-income families, this policy ensures that everyone in the community has access to nutritious meat and seafood. It is a business decision that puts people over profits, and it builds immense loyalty.
The best way to test a business model is to see how it holds up during a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stress test for every company on the planet.
While large grocery stores struggled with empty shelves and supply chain issues, Wilkes Meat Market actually took a step forward. According to Ronnie Wilkes, the business made more profit in 2020 than in any previous year.
Why? When the major chains ran out of meat, people remembered the little butcher shop on the corner. Kris O’Connell, a manager, recalled the “busiest work week of my life” during the initial panic of the pandemic. Many new customers discovered the market during that time, and they kept coming back even after the crisis eased.
This proves a vital point about the local butcher business model. In times of uncertainty, people trust local, specialized sources more than distant, anonymous supply chains.
What can other small business owners learn from the Wilkes tradition? Here are a few takeaways that apply to any industry, not just food.
Specialize to Survive: Do not try to compete with the big boxes on price or variety. Compete on quality. Wilkes does not have 20 brands of toothpaste, but they have the best steaks in town.
Know Your Craft: The Wilkes family is “Meat Artists” .They take pride in their skill. When you hire someone or train someone, make sure they know the product inside and out.
Build Real Relationships: The friendliness of the staff and the willingness to help with special requests turn first-time visitors into regulars.
Give Back to the Community: Whether it is accepting food stamps or supporting local farmers, showing that you care about the community ensures the community will care about you.
Be Consistent: Winning “Best of Forsyth County” for six consecutive years (2018–2023) does not happen by accident. It happens because customers know they can rely on you every single time.
Wilkes Meat Market is more than just a store; it is a blueprint for how small businesses can thrive in a anconomy dominated by giants. By focusing on quality meat, offering incredible fresh seafood, and treating customers like neighbors, they have built a legacy that has lasted over half a century.
The next time you are planning a barbecue or a fancy dinner, consider skipping the supermarket aisle. Visit your local butcher. You might pay a little more, but you get a lot more in return: better food, expert advice, and the satisfaction of supporting a family like the Wilkes family. It is a tradition worth keeping.
