The Poarch Creek Indians (PCI) celebrated the grand opening of their state-of-the-art beef processing plant, Perdido River Meats, in Atmore, Alabama. The $29 million facility is the largest of its kind in Alabama and will serve a wide region, impacting local cattle ranchers and the community.
) - The Poarch Creek Indians held a ribbon cutting on their brand-new beef processing plant in Atmore Thursday morning, February 6, 2025. A huge crowd attended, as be some of the first in line at the new, attached retail store.
Perdido River Meats not only offers a truly farm to fork transaction, it’s a facility that was desperately needed by local cattle ranchers. With all the fanfare of a native Indian Pow Wow, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians introduced their latest endeavor to south Alabama. Tribal leaders, along with state and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on Perdido River Meats Thursday. The $29-million-dollar, 23,000 square foot packaging facility is now the largest one of its kind operating in Alabama. “People will bring cattle here from hundreds of miles,” said Commissioner of the AL Dept. of Agriculture and Industry, Rick Pate. “It’s not like they’ll only get cattle from Atmore, so it will impact the whole southern part of the state, Mississippi and the panhandle of Florida, so yeah, it’s going to be a huge thing.” The build took 14 months, but the concept was born six years ago during the COVID pandemic. The scare of a food crisis set the wheels in motion.The build took 14 months, but the concept was born six years ago during the COVID pandemic. The scare of a food crisis set the wheels in motion. The Tribe was already raising cattle on its 2,900-acre Perdido River Farm and this was a logical next step. “Major accomplishment for the Tribe,” said Tribal Councilman, Keith Martin. “We’ve always wanted to diversify and keep our farm going and maybe this way we can make a…it’s hard to farm, so maybe we can make it work.” Judging by the turnout, they’re well on their way. Hundreds came for the official opening of the retail store and free Perdido River Meats hamburgers were cooking on the grill for those who wanted a taste test. And plenty of beef was headed out the door.“Yes, sir. We come from Monroeville all the way down here,” added Jordan’s husband, Danny. “Oh, I can’t wait, man. I can’t wait to…I’m going to make some Philly cheese steaks out of this. It’s going on the griddle,” Rex McKinley said. The retail store only offers a fresh and local product. It was just the level of excitement the Tribe wants to see. “There are several things, right. One, it’s a truly farm to fork concept here. We do own the steers. We own them. We feed them and then we raise them here on the farm. Then we bring them here, so they know where the food is coming from,” explained Perdido River Meats General Manager, Jose Antillon. “Two, they have the opportunity to buy half a steer from us and then they’ll tell us how they want the cuts…how they want it packaged.” Currently, Perdido River Meats processing facility employs 15 workers from the Tribe and surrounding community. The plant only sells USDA-inspected beef right now, but plans are already in the works to eventually process pork there as well. The retail store is open six days a week and is located just off I-65 at Highway 1 in Escambia County.Pentagon agency pauses celebrations for MLK Jr. Day, Black History Month, Pride Month, and moreAlabama congressman co-sponsors bill to expand health care coverageGulf Shores students spend the week planting for protection and restoring the dunes
AGRICULTURE ECONOMY FOOD PROCESSING TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT ALABAMA
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