Business brings quality to GJ tables

Almost every time I’m traveling on North Avenue in Grand Junction, I drive past a sign that says “Quality Meat Co. — Since 1946.”

I guess I’m always in a hurry when I am on that street because I cannot believe I have never stopped at the store. When finally did, wow, was I stunned!

Quality Meat Co., 340 North Ave., is a family- owned and operated business selling restaurant quality products for people to cook at home. The business has been around for more than 78 years.

I was amazed at all the options it offered, including smoked salmon, Icelandic cod, pork, Alaskan halibut, venison, elk, duck and rabbit. There also is a big selection of beef that can be cut to order and a variety of local seasonings and sauces. You can even find some desserts there.

Founded in 1946 by John Emerson upon his return home from World War II, this business has seen three generations work there. It is great when business owners have a passion for their work, and that was evident with this warm and charming family.

The front part of the building is a nostalgic and homey retail store. Shelves line the walls and are filled with various local sauces, spices and goodies. Other walls have refrigerators and freezers holding a bounty of foods.

Phillip Emerson, co-owner and son of the founder, gave me a sample of their delicious homemade lingonberry/ sour cream/horseradish condiment. I loved it! It’s just the perfect balance of creamy tartness and spiciness. It will pair beautifully with prime rib and I am looking forward to putting it on top of a baked potato.

This condiment will be available until the end of December and doesn’t have an official name. But if you ask for “Christine’s Favorite,” I bet they will know what you are talking about!

I inquired about best-selling items and learned that Coulotte steaks are No. 1. This lesser known, flavorful cut of beef is from the sirloin cap, works great with a dry rub and is budget friendly. (In Brazil this cut is known as picanha and is beloved.)

I also was gifted with the wildly popular and uniquely named rib roast seasoning. Its name, which you’ll have to learn for yourself, is due to the seasoning’s not-so-pretty look.

I haven’t tried it yet, but many readers have told me it is fantastic and they cook with it regularly.

Currently, Quality Meat has special gift-wrapped boxes of steaks for sale for the holidays (filet mignon, Coulotte and New York). That sounds like a fun gift idea for people like my dad!

He also would love the prime rib, so I just might have to get him both. Oh my, he is going to be so happy when he reads this!

I asked the founder’s grandson, Hunter Emerson, what his family loves about Quality Meat. He enthusiastically replied, “Our customers! We enjoy our work because of our customer family. We always have good conversations about menu ideas and suggestions, and making friends while we do our work.”

I was impressed to learn that Hunter is on the Advancement Board of HopeWest. This compassionate organization is known for its hospice and grief support for families. It is great to meet people who are deeply engaged with our community.

Toward the end of my interview, I asked about the store’s parking options.

“Patience is key,” Hunter said. “We have very limited parking, so if you can walk a bit, parking is available on Fourth Street next to the Salvation Army.”

I agree that walking a few extra feet definitely will be worth it.

The place is filled with a huge variety of food options, history and memories. We are fortunate to have this business in Grand Junction. What a local treasure on so many levels!

Email Christine Gallagher at allthingsfoodchristine@gmail.com.

Quality Meat Co., 340 North Ave., has been family owned for 78 years. Phillip Emerson, right, is the business’ current co-owner and son of its founder, John Emerson. Hunter Emerson, left, is John Emerson’s grandson, and at center is granddaughter-in-law Stacy.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

Quality Meat Co., 340 North Ave., offers a wide selection of meats and seafood, seasonings, sauces and even some desserts.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

ALLAGHER