Bargain Thursday: Sizzling Deals on Meat

Olive Branch, Miss. - Your big Bargain Thursdays are back with a sizzling deal as we head into the grilling season.

A national grocery store spokesman tells me the economy has folks buying less meat, but we have found a way to load your freezer for about 30% less.

How about a steak dinner for a family for about $20!

The economy doesn't have to take the sizzle out of your spring and summer grilling plans. We've found a way to keep meat on the grill without busting your budget.

"You give 'em good service, good quality meat at a good price." That's the motto Terrell Cates adopted when he started Cates Meat Market more than thirty years ago. Now his son TJ is running the shop in Olive Branch.

The Cates say you can save up to 30% on steaks, chops or ribs by shopping with them.

"We've been in business a long time," said Cates. "There's a couple of meat markets we go in together with to do our own buying."

That's how they can offer a family freezer special with more than 21 pounds of meat plus eight pizzas for less than $80.

Here's what you get:

• Eight 8oz. ribeye steaks
• Five pounds of ground beef
• Five pounds of pork loin chops
• Five pounds of chicken tenders
• Two pounds of bacon
• Eight-pack of pizzas

Total Cost: $79.99.

Darron Harris is the butcher and master griller. He's the expert behind the shop that supplies many of the Memphis in May barbeque teams.

And while they usually but and sell in bulk, you can buy one steak or one-hundred cut to order when you want it. The 8oz. ribeye is a steal at $3.99 and the flavor is as good as it gets.

So whether you are feeding the entire BBQ team or loading up on freezer specials to feed your family, you get the same quality meat for about 30% less than the typical grocery store.

You can also grab a side dish and salad to create a steak dinner for your family for about $20.

"We have homemade casseroles for $10 made by a lady in Oxford, [and] we have salads. So you pay $20-$25 verses $40-$45 at local steakhouse."

Here's what you need to know:

Cates Meat Market is in Olive Branch at 6399 Goodman Road, there's a map right at the top of the page. You can call them at (662) 893-BEEF or view their specials online at www.catesmeat.com