Interview with Debbie Sam, owner and manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I grew up as a butcher’s daughter and I spent most of my childhood listening to my father’s dream of opening his own business. In 1975, the opportunity appeared during one of his trips to Colorado, during a beef shortage. Shortly thereafter, he packed his family up and we relocated to Colorado in order to pursue his dream. My parents opened their first store in Englewood; in which my parents, as well as their four children, worked together. By 1982, my older brother also had a dream, and Sam’s Meat Market in Aurora was opened as our second location. In 1997, my brother left for Seattle to pursue his law degree and so here I am, with a career that I didn’t dream of, yet I couldn’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There are very few meat markets left in the Denver metro area. Meat cutting is an art form that has been relegated to big packing houses, which, little by little, takes away from that art. At Sam’s, we custom cut everything in-house and we take great pride in offering the finest meat and seafood products on the market. Our newest twist is the grass finished beef and our selection of exotics. One can pick up products such as wild boar, rattlesnake, kangaroo, duck bacon, and the list goes on. We have an extensive line of wood chips, sauces and marinades.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The people I’ve met throughout the course of my journey. They have truly enriched my life and have proven to be my greatest teachers, supporters and friends. The families that shop with us enjoy good food, they get excited about cooking and I believe they take every opportunity to sit down and eat dinner with their loved ones. I love the thought of being part of that family tradition. I’m even fortunate enough to witness the next generation carrying over the tradition.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: I’ve learned throughout my journey that what may appear to be a challenge is truly an opportunity to learn. I still get excited about new ideas and products and how I can better serve my community and the people who support me. I have to admit that technology is my greatest challenge.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I’m 5 oot,3 inches, 110 pounds and a single mother with three kids. I handle a majority of the in-house cutting. We’ve been in business for 32 years and I’ve been a fixture for that whole duration of time. It actually surprises me. One may be surprised to meet Pamela, Michelle or Parker working behind the counters now. I feel that my kids are the fortunate ones to live the family tradition.
Profile
Business: Sam’s Meat Market
Address: 15445 E. Iliff Ave., #F
Hours: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Founded: 1982
Contact: 303-696-6159, samsmeats.com
Employees: 6
