A new Harlem meat shop made a promising debut, Saturday afternoon.
Madison Moon got his first cows to raise from his grandfather at age 15, carrying on as the fourth generation in a family tradition of cattle farming. He eventually would go to diesel college and spend about three years working as a diesel mechanic, before returning to his first love of farming full-time.
“So I just finally said, one day, I’m either going to try it now or regret not trying it,” said Moon, who, with his wife Chelsea Moon, launched the Moon Cattle Meat Co., an offshoot of Moon Cattle Farms as a meat market on wheels.
Starting at noon, Saturday, the Moons had their truck camped out at 308 G.R. Tucker Road in Harlem, offering cuts of beef, pork and chicken: from ribeye, porterhouse and sirloin steaks to thick and thin cut pork chops and mild and hot sausage. The mobile store also offered fresh bread.
“We wanted fresh meat,” said Chelsea, explaining the couples’ impetus for opening the store. “You can’t get fresh meat from a grocery store.”
Several locals apparently agreed. The store stoked anticipation largely through social media. On Saturday, a line had gathered at the truck by 11:30, and most of the steaks had sold out about 20 minutes after opening.
The mobile market is a dry run for a storefront meat shop in Harlem, Madison explained, which the Moons plan to open soon. Alongside choice meat and fresh bread, the shop will partner with Owl Hollow Farm, also based in Harlem, to add fresh vegetables to their selection.
“People want the fresh,” said Madison. “Fresh is what everybody’s want. We’ve had some meat from ours, and we like it, and we just want to share it.”
While 308 G.R. Tucker Road will be a frequent location for the meat truck until the storefront opens, those interested in keeping up with where Moon Cow Meat Co. will set up shop next can visit its Facebook page.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
