Ben Forbes, owner of Forbes Meat Company, proudly touts the steak frites as a favorite on his menu. Distinctive for its craft approach to butchery, the shop offers not just tailored cuts of steak and sausage but also boasts a variety of upscale items, including cheeses, and charcuteries, along with an array of beers and wines.
Having established a presence both at farmers' markets and within the circles of restaurants over the past eight years, Forbes Meat Company now marks a six-month milestone at its 747 S. 6th Ave location in Tucson. Amidst this growth, Forbes reflects on the success with apparent gratitude. "It's been amazing," he confessed in a statement obtained by Forbes Meat Company's news release. "Word of mouth is getting around, and we're doing phenomenally well. The community has rallied around us."
The shop, setting itself apart, operates as a whole animal butcher shop, employing nose-to-tail practices to minimize waste and maximize the variety of meat options. Forbes also highlights the premium quality of their seafood selections, sourcing from locations as distant as Hawaii.
Forbes Meat Company foresees expanding its engagement with the community by offering butchery and sausage-making classes in their new space. The effort to foster a sense of responsibility and skill within the community has been a core philosophy for Forbes, who remembered a moment during a delivery not long after the business's inception, realizing, "I’m cultivating a culture of community." Forbes Meat Company not only partners with educational initiatives such as 4H but also sources most of its beef from local ranchers, as detailed in the company's news release.
Recognition of the company's efforts and integration within the community has culminated in Forbes Meat Company being named the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award for Urban Businesses. This honor, given annually by the Pima County Small Business Commission, is intended to celebrate the standout businesses in the Tucson area. Forbes gracefully acknowledged the award. "I think it’s a testament to our community," he said. "It’s really important for both my staff and the community to know that we wouldn’t have this without you."
