By Angela Fairhurst

In the heart of Phoenix, a local butcher shop is quietly making waves in the community by redefining the way we approach meat consumption. Arcadia Meat Market, owned by Nick Addante — a Phoenix native with a passion for healthy, grass fed, pasture raised, organic proteins — isn’t just your average meat shop. It’s a testament to sustainability, ethics, and a deep-rooted connection to the land.   

Arcadia Meat Market takes pride in providing high-quality, locally sourced meat while ensuring the welfare of animals and promoting sustainable practices. Addante partners with over 40 ethical ranchers that range from Rancho Llano Seco farm in Chico, California and Emigh Lamb in Sacramento, to a variety of ranchers right here in Arizona. Addante and his business partner, rancher/cattleman Tim Peterson, own Arizona Grass Fed Beef, a 100% grass-fed and 100% grass-finished beef company. Addante carefully selects suppliers that prioritize animal welfare, sustainable land management, and hormone and antibiotic-free diets.

Addante shared insights into the company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. “We believe that healthy animals raised in open pastures make for a healthier planet and happy customers,” he stated. “Our cattle feed on nature’s bounty, without the need for a feedlot. The natural grasses and legumes of Arizona rangeland provide the most flavorful beef I’ve ever had.” 

But Arcadia Meat Market’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond meat. They also support local farmers and producers committed to ethical and sustainable practices. By sourcing produce from Arizona Microgreens and Steadfast Farm, eggs from Lucky B Acres, honey from Twisted Bee Farms, and milk from Golden Rule Dairy, Arcadia Meat Market promotes a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.

Arcadia Meat Market’s commitment to sustainability also includes innovative products like their Beef Jerky and Pasture Pup dog treats. The dehydrated dog treats are made from a blend of beef, organs, and lungs, providing pets with a nutritious snack sourced from local ingredients.

What sets Arcadia Meat Market apart is its whole-animal approach to butchery. Hand-cutting and utilizing every part of the animal minimizes waste and maximizes value. 

“We believe in nose-to-tail butchery because it allows us to honor the animal and minimize waste,” Addante explained. “It’s important to us that we do so with our footprints in mind, and each of our products are small, giving them the opportunity for proper animal husbandry and conscientious practices.” 

This practice amounts to a vast selection inside Arcadia Meat Market, which houses over 30 cuts of beef, 22 varieties of pork, 18 cuts of chicken, and 18 cuts of lamb. 

In addition to its sustainable practices, Arcadia Meat Market also gives back to the community through its charity program. The “Give the Gift of Food to Feed a Family” initiative allows customers to donate one pound of Arizona Grass Fed ground beef for just $5 to support food-insecure families.

For the residents of Phoenix, Arcadia Meat Market isn’t just a place to buy meat – it’s a symbol of a community coming together to support ethical practices, sustainable agriculture, and the well-being of people, animals and the planet. By choosing to support businesses like Arcadia Meat Market, consumers can play a vital role in promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.