By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer
Atlas Twp. – It’s a little off the beaten path, but The Meat Shack’s customers don’t worry about location.
Set among the rolling hills of Top Line Farms in Atlas Township, The Meat Shack sells hormone and antibiotic-free black angus beef cuts produced on the family-owned farm.
Customers’who’d purchased sides of beef for years from the Jelinek family’needed smaller quantities after children had grown and moved away, says Tracy Jelinek, who opened the store with husband Phil Jelinek in April 2004.
From the day calves are born on the farm until the beef is processed, they’re fed grain that’s grown on the farm without harmful additives.
Beef is processed in Frankenmuth, MI, with a U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified inspector on the floor.
Customers come from as far away as Brown City for the healthy beef. Women and cancer patients especially appreciate a beef source free of hormones and stimulants.
‘A lot of people are very grateful to know where it comes from,? said Tracy.
The Meat Shack’s flavorful Delmonico and porterhouse steaks have been a summertime hit, and the store’s ground beef rivals supermarket prices.
Since the biggest hurdle is keeping up with customer demand, customers are advised to call ahead to confirm specific cuts of the fresh frozen beef are in stock. The Meat Shack will hold same-day orders.
Top Line Farms is a certified five-state beef producer, educated in proper feeding and handling of cattle through the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association.
The store is located at 12084 E. Maple Ave., 2.7 miles from the M-15 and Bristol Road intersection. Heading east on Bristol Road, turn right onto Henderson Road, then left on Maple Avenue. Call (810) 658-6851.