Curt's Famous Meats
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Butcher shop) |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | Curtis Jones and Hazel Jones |
| Headquarters | Independence , United States |
| Products | Meat, poultry, seafood, frog legs, snacks, household goods |
Number of employees | Mostly women ("Lady Meat Cutters") and several male butchers |
| Website | curtsfamousmeats |
Curt's Famous Meats—also referred to as Curt's Meat Market or simply Curt's—is a meat market situated on East Truman Road in Independence, Missouri. Although its location is Independence, the establishment is acknowledged as a significant contributor to the heritage of Kansas City-style barbecue. The market boasts over 35 accolades at both local and national levels, including eight victories at the American Royal. Their offerings encompass typical livestock and poultry, along with selections of seafood and frog legs. Additionally, Curt's maintains a modest retail area featuring snacks and household goods. Their customer base extends throughout the United States.
History
Curtis Jones and his spouse Hazel initially operated Bristol Market in Independence. In 1947, they moved operations to a nearby produce market and rebranded it as Curt's Market. The store has played a vital role within the Maywood neighborhood and carries a tradition of producing award-winning meats connected to Kansas City's barbecue culture. Distinguished patrons have included former President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, who resided close by. Every mayor of Independence has also frequented the establishment. Curtis Jones retained ownership until 1989, when he sold the business to Donna Pittman, who persuaded him despite his initial reluctance about transferring ownership to a woman. The business adopted the name Curt's Famous Meats in 2004.
Current operations
The workforce primarily consists of women, locally known as the Lady Meat Cutters, complemented by several male butchers. The store hosts a small-scale Socrates Café facilitated by Van Horn High School (Missouri), which has convened annually since 2009 to explore local and national topics through the application of the socratic method. Prominent local politicians, including Independence mayor Don Reimal, have taken part in these forums.
Awards
Curt's Famous Meats has received an extensive array of awards at both local and national levels, underscoring its excellence as a small enterprise.
- American Royal champion: 1989, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2004, 2007–2010
- Lenexa Barbecue champion: 1989, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011
- Blue Springs Blaze Off champion: 1990, 1992, 2003–2005
- Raytown Barbecue champion: 1989, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2006, 2008
- Sedalia Barbecue champion: 2008, 2009
- Tonganoxie Barbecue champion: 2004, 2007, 2008
- Peculiar Barbecue champion: 2006, 2008
- Laurie Barbecue champion: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
- Sugar Creek Barbecue champion: 2010, 2011
- Small Business Monthly’s “25 Under 25” recognition: 2003