The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
New market emphasizes ‘farm to table’
Family photos line the walls of the new McConnell Meats & Farm Market at 15788 Ohio Route 58 in Oberlin.
The market, which opened to the public April 2, is run by general manager Steve Shinsky, who also doubles as the butcher.
Inside the business, display cases of fresh meats ranging from angus beef, to hogs and chicken wrap around the building.
“We grow our own food for the castle, so we know exactly what’s going into them,” he said. “It’s healthier for you because there aren’t any growth hormones or steroids in the animals.”
The meat goes through a process where it’s dried and aged for 28 days in a cooler, which makes the meat tender and juicy, he said.
The meat is sold by the hanging price, he said.
During the process, the body weight decreases around 5.2%, which then lowers the price of the meat.
“Our processing is long, but that’s what makes it taste so great,” he said.
The shop also offers custom processing and sells half animals which can be processed into desired pieces the customer wants, Shinsky said.
Although the shop is small, at any given time, there’s over 1,000 pounds of meat aging and being prepared for selling, he said.
Tucked in the center of the market are wooden shelves stacked with homegrown maple syrup, freshly baked local goods, a variety of local sauces and locally grown produce and products.
“We wanted to keep money local,” Shinsky said. “When you buy local, you’re putting food on families’ tables and buying kids school supplies and new shoes.”
Fresh eggs are brought over every day from the farm, and fresh bread is found on the shelves as well.
“We have it all,” Shinsky said. “We’re a one-stop shop, and we have everything you need for a backyard barbeque, a family of one or a big party.”
Owner Eric McConnell said he’s thrilled about opening the new business.
“I think it’s much needed,” McConnell said. “People don’t know where their food comes from, and that’s important.”
As the word of the shop’s opening begins to spread, McConnell said the community should mark their calendars for the market’s grand opening May 1.
Radio stations WOBL and WDLW will give out prizes, and one person will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
To be eligible for the contest and prizes, you must obtain a wooden nickel from McConnell Meats & Farm Market by purchasing an item.
The store is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.
“We want to continue to grow,” McConnell said. “We’re farm to table.”