On the Grow: Local Purveyor Gourmet Ranch Beefs Up for Chefs and Consumers

On the Grow: Local Purveyor Gourmet Ranch Beefs Up for Chefs and Consumers

JUST IN TIME for Father’s Day gifting and summer cookouts, Houston-based Gourmet Ranch has opened its new state-of-the-art meat processing plant and ramped up production on premium beef shipped direct-to-consumer. We can already smell juicy steaks sizzling on the grill!


The new plant in the booming Northwest quadrant of the city marks a significant expansion for the local company. Master-planned for future on-site development, the nearly 38,000-square-foot facility will allow for growth in production and new hires to meet demand for quality meat products and increasing online buying.

Texas-born and -bred, Gourmet Ranch, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jake’s Finer Foods, was acquired in 2011. A 75-year-old family-owned entity, Jake’s has built its business, which began with selling eggs door-to-door in West U, by investing in other food companies. In turn, this increased capacity for food distribution has expanded to high-end restaurants and food-service providers across the region.

With full-service butchery capabilities, Gourmet Ranch specializes in custom-cut aged steaks, Wagyu, freshly-ground beef, and custom-blended premium hamburger patties. Value-added items include cutlets and marinated fajita meat, plus pork, lamb, and freshly cut chicken products including its famous “funny bird.”

As many businesses did during the pandemic, Gourmet Ranch pivoted strategically to introduce e-commerce and direct sales to the consumer. “We have seen an ever-increasing demand by restaurants and the consumer for good quality meats, and the new facility will allow us to ramp up capacity,” said Gourmet Ranch President Jason Blackshear. “Covid also changed consumer behaviors and spending, with more buyers wanting meat delivered to their homes. That demand is here to stay, and our e-commerce business continues to grow.”

Overnight shipping is free within the state of Texas, and Gourmet Ranch prides itself on its handling. “A big difference” between its meat and that of other comparable companies “is that nothing is frozen here,” says Natalie Garrett, vice president of marketing for Jake’s Finer Foods. “We ship everything to the consumer and restaurants fresh per order.” Sourcing of products is usually within Texas, with familiar farms taking priority — think 44 Farms, R-C Ranch and Creekstone Farms.

Naturally, you can expect a steak that is far superior to the standard flavor of supermarket meat. It might even taste like a professional chef made it. “That is, unless you burn it while cooking!” adds Garrett. It all comes down to the raw product. “We have been selling to chefs for over 25 years, and they will not tolerate anything but the best.”

Gourmet Ranch fajitas

Gourmet Ranch burgers on the grill

Gourmet Ranch filet mignon

‘Culture of Service and Accountability’ Supports Mission of Orion EMS

Gerard O’Brien, President/CEO & Founder, and Sumi Patel, Vice President

HOW DID YOU get where you are today? The EMS industry, quite literally, never stops. Our staff and units are called to serve our community every hour of every day; there are no weekends, holidays, or “days off.” Obviously, the demands of EMS are not for the faint of heart, and we have established a culture of service and accountability that is different than nearly every other organization. Our leadership team sets this culture by exhibiting their passion for this industry daily. Their tireless dedication makes a better experience for our staff when they come to work and for our patients and clients when they call on us to transport their loved ones.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gingerbread Dream at Moxies

DON’T BE LEFT out in the cold! Jingle all the way to these bars and restaurants for festive, IG-worthy drinks. Grab a cocktail and cozy up!

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

Big Casino

READY OR NOT, Christmas is almost three weeks away and Houston restaurants and bars are beckoning with sparkling décor, holiday cocktails, and even shopping. Here’s where to slip into the spirit during the most wonderful time of the year!

Keep ReadingShow less
Food