December 8, 2022 - BRK Meats celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony in Tenaha on November 16, 2022.
Owners Barbara and Bobby Vice celebrated the groundbreaking of their new facility with Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, City of Tenaha representatives and other community members.
"Our goal here is to put in a slaughter facility here, we will be able to slaughter the animal we'll also be able to remove the primals and all sub-primals from those animals," said Bobby Vice. "We will have a cooling space after that where the meat will be stored, and probably on a daily basis we will come pick that meat up and bring it to our Carthage facility where it will finish processing."
Vice said they hope to ext4end the facility in the next 12 to 18 months to include a processing plant on site followed by a third phase of expansion that would be a distribution center in Tenaha.
"We'll make a decision then whether that remains in Carthage with a big remodel project, or if we also move that out here and get rid of the property in Carthage," said Vice.
The property where the facility will be built in Tenaha has 26.8 acres which Vice commented is a lot of room for expansion and he thanked many in the area for helping them in making plans to establish in Tenaha.
"I have to say number one is Roland Cross, Mr. Cross, if you need anything done Just tell him and he helps you get it done," said Vice. "I don't know what you know about him or whatever, but he has been a very special guy to me. He's helped me get so much done."
Vice said how helpful O'Neal Jones, Tenaha mayor, has been in making things happen for BRK Meats to come to Tenaha.
"Terry [Allen] and Farmer's State Bank has been a big part of making this possible out here and we thank them a lot," said Vice.
Vice explained the building they will have on the site are pre-manufactured structures from the state of Washington, and it will only take three days for them to be set up once they're on the property.
"We are pleased to announce that BRK Meats was the only USDA facility in the state of Texas that was awarded a very substantial amount of money from the USDA in the form of a grant, so that has been very vital to us to continue operating, having some additional funds for us to operating expenses and will make sure that, that helps us make sure that Terry Allen and all the folks at Farmer's State Bank get their money," said Vice to an eruption of laughter from the audience.
Vice continued to express gratitude for their good fortune and commented their success has also been included in the national news. He said the Texas Department of Agriculture is in favor of what they're doing and is behind them 100%.
Barbara Vice expressed her enthusiasm in the business' new venture in Tenaha.
"Things happen for a reason, and we think that there is a bigger plan that brought us here," said Vice. "[We] work with the school board to get meat processing as part of the curriculum for our kids. Bobby's an example of what happens when you have a co-op at your school and you can teach trades, not everybody has to go to college."
She elaborated that butchers can make a good income and she hopes their business can bring a lot of joy into the community, and they want to be a part of the community.
Bobby Vice stated the principal and superintendent at Tenaha ISD have already initiated a program in the school to be able to train people that want to be butchers.
"We're going to be a part of that, I have one of my butchers that has over 50 years experience, he'll go to the school when needed and share some things with them," said Vice. "BRK Meats will be supporting that in the high schools."
He continued that maybe those who want to stay in Tenaha will be able to stay in Tenaha and have a decent job.
"We look forward to growing with you here, and please come by and see us," said Vice.
The Vice's then officially completed the ground breaking ceremony by turning dirt with shovels with employees, city representatives and bank representatives.
BRK Meats new location address is 433 CR 4620 in Tenaha. They can also be reached by phone in Carthage at 903-693-6122.
