Entreprenuer plans to open upscale meat market in Spartanburg

When it came time for Lance Brown to pick a career, there was no doubt about the course he would take.

The Spartanburg entrepreneur hails from a line of meat processing professionals that have been plying their craft in the Upstate for almost 80 years.

Brown plans to put that accumulated knowledge and skill to work for his neighbors with his own retail meat market established on a foundation of quality, service, and providing customers with an authentic experience, Brown’s Meat Market.

“I have a lot of friends who really enjoy cooking meats, and I enjoy giving them what they need and providing them with that wow factor,” Brown said. “Spartanburg is growing and changing. It needs a place like this – a place to get a variety of high-quality meats. Somebody needs to be there [for local residents] to impart an understanding about what they’re eating. I’m excited to be able to do this.”

On Friday, Oct. 20, Brown signed a lease on a nearly 2,300-square-foot space at 1457 Union Street formerly occupied by Eastside Meats and Produce.

Brown plans to renovate the space for his concept, with Brown’s Meat Market opening by Christmas.

His wife, Blair Brown, originally of Spartanburg, will join him in the venture. The couple has two children and lives on Spartanburg’s east side.

“I enjoy working one-on-on with customers,” Lance Brown said. “I think there is a big opportunity here to take my experience and knowledge and give Spartanburg something it doesn’t have. My family is here. I’d like to have something for my children to be a part of.”

Brown’s grandfather, Walter W. Brown, opened Cherokee Packing Co. in 1939 near Gaffney. His great grandfather, Broadus Brown, was also involved in that company, which was sold to Armour and Co. during the 1950s.

Brown’s father, Jim Brown, and uncle, Walter Eugene “Gene” Brown later started Brown Packing Co. in Gaffney.

Some of his other family members opened Sunnydale Meats, also in Gaffney.

Brown honed his skills at Brown Packing Co. and learned the business from the ground up.

“I did a little of everything,” he said. “I was able to build knowledge, relationships, and years of firsthand experience. I think it will be nice to share that with my customers.”

“It has been a long journey,” said Blair Brown, who serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Advocacy Center. “I believe in him and am proud to carry on the family business.”

Brown said renovations will begin soon. He plans to give the space a clean, modern, industrial feel with metal and weathered wood accents.

The business owner said he is still finalizing details about his offering, but customers can expect to find a variety of premium cuts of beef, pork, poultry, possibly some fish and shellfish, and maybe even some exotic proteins.

He plans to have a selection of jerky, fresh eggs, sauces, homemade sausages, craft beers, and other items.

Brown said he may have some vegetarian options, kabobs, international foods, and fresh pet food.

He plans to have an online store, specials, and meal packages.

To the extent possible, Brown said he plans to get all of his stock from local sources. He will tailor his menu to suit the tastes of local residents.

Brown said he hopes to hire a few employees for the store.

“I’m going to try to take care of people,” he said. “I really think its important to make customers happy… I’m very happy to continue a legacy.”