Butcher shops are slowly being weaned out of American culture, but in South Tucson meat shops are thriving.
Los Amigos Meat Market, 3929 S. 12th Ave., has been in business for 35 years. The market was started, and is still owned, by Tony and Mary Cardenas. Tony worked for a meat packing company and his interest in the industry is what built the business it is today. Since Tony's passing last December, Mary continues to run the shop and says her son, Tony Jr., will take over when she is done.
"I love my business, the business will stay in the family," Cardenas said.
Jorge Alberto, an employee for four years, said the customer service and quality of meat is what keeps customers coming back. While the price for the meat may leave customer's wallets feeling slightly slimmer, Alberto said the quality is worth the extra buck. Customers like the cultural atmosphere of the shop because employees are bilingual."Personal service and having people that speak Spanish is important to the customers," Alberto said.
Although the store attracts a mixed variety of ethnic groups, the Hispanic community appreciates the selection of Mexican meat favorites. For example, chorizo and menudo are offered and the customers can pick the meat they want. The culture of meat markets in Mexico has transferred over to Los Amigos by offering a large selection.
"We have a lot of meat markets in Mexico, but we get a lot of mixed cultures here," Alberto said.
With the large variety in meat, which includes different cuts of beef, pork and chicken, the market also has a small store inside. The store has a small produce section, a large selection of tortillas and a lot of different cooking ingredients and spices. Alberto said this makes it more convenient for customers to come to the store.
"We have a lot of what people need to cook with here," Alberto said.
While all industries have been hit by the recession, the market has kept its usual clientele. Alberto said they have customers who have been coming to the store for more than 20 years, and they don't plan on going anywhere else. Jerry Guillen, a customer since the store opened, said he drives from the east side of Tucson to get his meat at Los Amigos.
"They have very good quality and no fat in my chorizo," Guillen said.
The rise in cost of feed for the animals and fuel have forced the meat market prices to rise. However, Guillen said buying at Los Amigos instead of the grocery store is enough reason to spend the extra money.
"The quality is excellent and it's fresh," Guillen said. "In the grocery store you don't know how long it's been on the shelf."
