Meat Wholesaler

[jefskil]

Can anyone recommend a meat wholesaler?

Some friends and I are looking to make sausage soon, say in the neighborhood of 120lbs, and most butchers are either unable to have that amount on hand, or will special order it but refuse give us any sort of price break based on quantity.

We'd also be interested in purchasing some other items to dry cure although in smaller quantities items like pork belly, guanciale etc.

We're in Metro Boston but have car and will travel if the place is right and willing to work with us.

Thanks in advance!

[bear]

Do you have access to a Restaurant Depot card (locations in Needham and Chelsea)? I got a whole seven-rib standing beef roast there a few months ago (my son has a card) for under $100, and it was really good. I wouldn't think it would be a problem getting 120 lbs. of pork at a reasonable price.

Here's an recent thread talking discussing it, with some advice toward the bottom of the thread on how to get a card if you are either in the industry or affiliated with a nonprofit that has a kitchen.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/693196

Otherwise, I'd check with McKinnon's in Davis Sq., Somerville, and check out Market Basket. They often have pork picnic for $.99/lb., and sometimes $.89/.lb.on sale.

[BostonZest]

How about Costco is one of you is a member?

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[almansa]

I'd suggest contacting a restaurant with which you are friendly and see if they'd order it for you. They'd likely just mark it up a small amount, if at all; they really have no need to. Perhaps you could barter some of your finished product as thanks for the favor.

[PAUL]

I have access to AGAR. If you would like to explor this option let me know when you decide exactly what you want and I can get you a price.

[almansa]

Or I'll get it for you as well, but it would have to be kept confidential.

[almansa]

That's [e-mail], btw.

[jefskil]

Thanks for the input.

Costco is indeed a great place to buy meat, my sis often buys Ribeyes from there when they're on sale for 6 or 7 dollars a pound. The quality is also much better than that you'd get in the supermarket as well. They might be able to help with the pork shoulder, but they definitely wouldn't have things like the pork belly in stock.

Keep the input coming, I'll ask my friend who owns a few places in the North End what he can do in the meantime.