In an age where virtually everything we need is a click away, there is a growing trend towards a “back to basics” approach to food.
Our relationship with food has changed. We want to know where our food comes from and more importantly, what’s in it. We have a renewed appreciation for farm-fresh food in its purest form. It’s a trend that Barrie’s Hind Quarter Meat Co. not only embraces, but exemplifies through quality products and honest-to-goodness relationships with their farm suppliers and their customers.
The company began as a pop-up delivery service in 2021, selling shares of whole animals from local farmers. As the company’s product list expanded, they were awarded “Best Butcher Shop” in the 2022 and 2023 Barrie CommunityVotes Awards, despite not having a physical storefront.
Now, co-owners Jack Clarke and Kieran Papp have opened their full-service butcher shop at the corner of Mapleview Drive West and Veteran's Drive in Barrie. Hind Quarter Meat Co. is committed to providing delicious food of uncompromising quality, great service, meticulous attention to detail, and unique cuts.
“What makes us unique is that we are whole animal butchers. You’ll find a really wide variety of cuts that are hard to get in other places, like those cool butcher-cut steaks. Like a steak that you can afford on a Tuesday; a spider steak or Bermuda steak that we might have for 8 or 10 dollars. And yes, we have the big and splashy stuff you can buy - but we have plenty of inexpensive items as well.”
Supporting Ontario Farmers
The key to offering the freshest food, and knowing the true source of every product, lies in having close relationships with their suppliers.
Clarke explains how locally-sourced products are the key to their company’s success. “In terms of the quality of the food - the way we purchase and age the meat - leads to a better final product. It's something you can really only do locally.” Clarke and Papp work closely with Ontario suppliers for their meats and ingredients.
“For pork, we use a company called Perth Pork, just outside of Stratford. Our lamb comes from Forsyth Farms near Owen Sound. Chicken comes from King Capon in Newmarket. We’re on a first-name basis with all our suppliers.” Hind Quarter Meat Co. works with St. Helen’s for prime and triple-A beef, as well as VG Meats, their source for hormone and antibiotic-free beef.
Farm-fresh Prepared Meals
Already a customer favourite for their fresh meats and made-in-house sausages, Hind Quarter Meat Co. is quickly becoming a fan favorite for prepared foods as well.
“Our prepared meals are very handy for commuters - you just open the bag, toss them into a pot and they heat up in just a couple of minutes.” Their skilled crew creates an array of sandwiches, side dishes and prepared meals, all using the same top-quality meats that are available at the counter.
“We have really, really high quality prepared foods. So you could come in, get a steak and you could get everything to go with it, like loaded potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. Or you can come in for options already made for you, like butter chicken, beef bourguignon, dozens of amazing, restaurant-quality dishes.”
The Best for your Holiday Table
From tantalizing appetizers to an impressive main course, Hind Quarter Meat Co. has a holiday menu to suit every taste. There are free-range turkeys raised without hormones and antibiotics, dry-age prime rib, beef tenderloin, crown pork roast, lamb racks and legs, fresh hams and Moulard ducks.
The holiday menu also includes foie gras, cheese, charcuterie, a selection of sides including gravy and cranberry sauce, and options like stuffed turkey breast for those planning a more intimate celebration. Holiday pre-orders are encouraged by calling (705) 737-5445 or messaging the shop through Facebook or Instagram.
Hind Quarter Meat Co. welcomes customers to discover next-level quality that only comes from a truly local food supplier. “I promise when you come in, we’ll definitely have something really nice. I can say that for sure.”
To keep informed on new products or special occasions, like their recent sausage-making class, customers are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter at www.hindquarter.ca.