Our commitment has always been to transparency, sustainability, and above all, freshness. There’s a real difference between our farm-fresh meat and what you find at the supermarket. We dry-age our meat for seven to 14 days, which naturally enhances tenderness and flavor. Then we flash-freeze it at -30 degrees Fahrenheit, locking in nutrients and preserving that just-butchered quality. Some people still believe frozen meat is less fresh, but I always compare it to freezing your garden vegetables at peak season. It’s not just convenient; it’s a way to protect the integrity of the food.

We raise beef, lamb, and goat right here on our farm, and we partner with local farms stretching from Alpena to Traverse City for other meat varieties. All our animals are pasture-raised and grass-fed, with no antibiotics, hormones, or MSG. We make a point to visit every farm we work with, because we believe that ethical farming isn’t optional; it’s essential. Our animals live the way nature intended, and that makes a world of difference in quality.

Processing one animal at a time means we offer a more intentional and personal experience. There may only be two flank steaks per cow, but that limitation teaches us all to appreciate the food on our tables a little more. It also makes our supply chain a bit trickier, especially when demand surges. But we’d rather encourage customers to plan and ensure they’re getting exactly what they want, instead of compromising our standards.

Our meats are processed by USDA butcher, RRR Meat Processing in Buckley. We transport animals ourselves and make sure they’re given time to settle before processing, because minimizing stress is key to quality and it’s simply the right thing to do. The meat is then inspected and processed. We make multiple trips every month to bring the meat back frozen and ready for our customers.

Courtesy Photo The Alpena General Store, on the corner of Ripley and Washington, is seen during the fall with their annual pumpkin sale.

After COVID, we noticed a big shift. More people began seeking out clean, local food, and we were ready. We’ve since doubled our livestock numbers, thanks to the incredible support of our farming community.

We actively educate our customers about the advantages of fresh, local meats, emphasizing higher omega-3 content in grass-fed beef and the environmental benefits of sustainable farming. Encouraging consumers to support local farmers strengthens the community while promoting healthier dietary choices.

People often tell me how changing to locally raised sources has changed their lives. From improved health conditions to weight loss, they attribute their wellness to the clean, additive-free meats offered at the store. That’s the kind of impact that keeps me going, even on the long days.

Our store also offers a curated selection of farmer’s finest products including local honey, canned and pickled goods, as well as fresh milk, butter, and cream from the Farmer’s Creamery in Mio. If baked goods are more your style, our in-house bakery prepares breads, donuts and baked treats each morning with an emphasis on freshness. We also serve lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring handcrafted sandwiches and soups made here in our kitchen.

Choosing local isn’t just about flavor, though you’ll notice the difference. It’s about nourishing your body with food you can trust and supporting the people who live and work right here in your community. When you buy from Alpena General Store, you’re not relying on a supply chain, you’re becoming part of a local story. Every purchase keeps our community stronger, our dollars local, and our plates more hearty.

Courtesy Photo Fresh beef roasts are ready to go into the cooler at Alpena General Store.

The Alpena General Store is located at 826 W. Washington Ave, Alpena. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Call the Alpena General Store at 989-916-7708.

Stacey Horton

Courtesy Photo A cooler full of dairy products from The Farmer's Creamery are seen at Alpena General Store.

Courtesy Photo A cup of hot turkey noodle soup made fresh in the kitchen at Alpena General Store.

Courtesy Photo A summer meat bundle perfect for a family BBQ or camping trip is seen at Alpena General Store.