FAQ's

We're here to help!

Is your beef grass-fed? Is your beef local? Where does your beef come from? What are the differences between Certified Angus Beef and grocery store beef?

- Certified Angus Beef  is a brand of beef that comes from Angus cattle and meets strict quality standards. Not all angus beef qualifies; only about 1 in 4 Angus cattle meet Certified Angus Beef criteria.

Key Features:

- High Marbling: CAB requires a certain level of marbling (intramuscular fat) for flavor, juiciness, and tenderness.

- Strict Standards: CAB must meet 10 specific criteria, including marbling, maturity, consistency, and appearance.

- USDA Grades: CAB beef is typically USDA

- Choice or Prime grade, which are higher quality than USDA Select or Standard.

- Tenderness and Flavor: The focus on marbling and quality makes CAB beef more tender and flavorful compared to standard - grocery store beef.

Grocery Store Beef:

- This refers to any beef sold in grocery stores, which may range from USDA Select to Choice and sometimes even ungraded beef.

Key Features:

- Variable Quality: Grocery store beef often includes a mix of USDA Select and Choice grades.

- Less Marbling: Most grocery store beef has less marbling compared to CAB, especially if it's USDA Select.

- Inconsistent Standards: There's no brand-specific certification like CAB, so the quality may vary depending on the supplier.

- More Affordable: Grocery store beef is generally less expensive, but it might not deliver the same flavor and tenderness as CAB.

- Flavor & Tenderness Rich, tender, and juicy Depends on grade and cut

Main Differences

Feature

Certified Angus Beef

Grocery Store Beef

Breed

Angus cattle only

Any cattle breed

Quality Grades

USDA Choice or Prime

USDA Select, Choice, or lower

Marbling

Higher, consistent

Varies, often lower

Does your beef contain pink slime, antibiotics, hormones or any other additives?

- Our beef is sourced from a local supplier and processed in-house.   It contains no junk, additives, or fillers. We take pride in processing everything in-store, ensuring that it's fresh and of the highest quality. By processing daily, we maintain the integrity of the meat and guarantee that our customers receive a product they can trust. If you have any questions about our sourcing or processing methods, feel free to ask!

Are your products organic? Is your seafood wild-caught?

- Our store is proud to offer a selection of wild-caught seafood. We prioritize sustainability and quality, ensuring that all our seafood is sourced from fisheries that adhere to responsible fishing practices. This means our seafood is not only delicious but also supports healthy ocean ecosystems.

- We carry a variety of options, from fish like salmon to shellfish like shrimp and much more. Since wild-caught seafood is known for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, we encourage customers to ask about the best ways to prepare and cook them. If you’re curious about a specific type of seafood or want recommendations, just let us know!

Do you have bundle packages where I can purchase a large amount at one time?

- Of course!  ETMS offers bundle packages for those looking to purchase large quantities of meat at a great value. These packages are designed to help you save money while ensuring you have a variety of high-quality meats on hand.

- Whether you're stocking up for a family gathering, meal prepping, or just wanting to save on your grocery bill, our bundles include options like beef, pork, and chicken. Plus, buying in bulk means you can take advantage of lower prices and ensure you always have fresh meat ready to go.

- If you're interested, we can provide details on the different bundle options we have available and help you choose the best one for your needs!

Do you take special orders for steaks cut a certain way?

- We are happy to cut steaks to your requested thickness or style. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the cut you want: Be Specific: Clearly explain the thickness, weight, or type of cut you want. For example, you could ask for "1-inch thick ribeye steaks" or "filets cut into 2-inch portions."

- Call Ahead: If you have a detailed request or need a large order, it's a good idea to call ahead so we can prepare.

- Know Your Cut: Familiarize yourself with the specific steak cuts (e.g., ribeye, new york strip, filet tenderloin) so you can ask for what you need.

- Ask About Pricing: Custom cuts may cost more depending on the preparation time and portioning.

- We are happy to accommodate such requests because we specialize in tailoring meat to customers' preferences.

How do I make an order for a special occasion?

- Ordering special cuts or custom steaks for a special occasion involves a bit of planning and clear communication. 

1. Decide on the Details

Type of Steak: Choose the cut you want (e.g., ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, etc.).

Quantity: Know how many steaks you'll need and approximate portion sizes (e.g.,

12-ounce steaks).

Thickness: Specify the thickness (e.g., 1-inch thick or custom sizes).

Special Requests: Mention any additional preferences, like bone-in, marbling level, or trimming.

3. Place the Order

In-Person: Visit the butcher shop or store.

Speak directly with the butcher, and explain your needs in detail.

By Phone: Call ahead and provide the specifics of your order.

Online: If ordering from a website, make sure to check their customization options and delivery timelines.

4. Plan Ahead

Timing: Place the order at least 5-7 days in advance for large quantities or special cuts.

Some premium orders may need even more lead time.

Pickup/Delivery: Confirm when and how you'll receive your order.

Can you season my steaks or hamburger patties?

- Whether you’re grilling up juicy steaks or crafting the perfect burger patties, we can help take your flavors to the next level!  Save time prepping so you can focus on cooking and enjoying your meal!

Can I get steaks cut the way I want?  

- Yes! Our team can cut or trim your steaks to a specific size and weight. Let us know your preference and we will cut it fresh in house.

Tri-Tip

- Location: The tri-tip is a triangular-shaped cut from the bottom sirloin subprimal, located near the hip area of the cow.

- Characteristics:  Known for its marbling and tenderness when cooked properly.

- Weighs around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

- Has a rich, beefy flavor with much more marbling than a typical sirloin.

- Cooking Methods: Ideal for grilling, roasting, or smoking. It's commonly prepared as a whole roast or sliced into steaks.

Tri-Tip Sirloin

- Alternate Name: "Tri-tip sirloin" is essentially the same as tri-tip. Adding "sirloin" to the name emphasizes that it's part of the bottom sirloin section.

- Why the Name?: We use this term to distinguish it from other sirloin cuts, like top sirloin or sirloin steaks.

Key Takeaway: Tri-tip and tri-tip sirloin are the same cut, just described differently.

If you're shopping and see "tri-tip sirloin," rest assured you're getting the beloved tri-tip cut!