Rivers Edge Farm Market

When we first relocated to Jefferson I admit that I avoided Rivers Edge a bit simply because I assumed they’d be far too expensive for us — as much as I do strive to support local businesses — sometimes, things can be out of reach financially. I was so very very wrong! This is an excellent and realistically priced market. They have excellent and competitively priced meats — including a vast deli meat and cheese selection. Wonderful frozen meats, house made (I think!) heat and serve items in the freezers. We love ground lamb and theirs is excellent — it has the perfectly gamey and lamby taste that I’ve been missing desperately. It’s delicious and well priced. The last few years I’ve only managed to find incredibly mild and boring tasting lamb. Great bread selection, good amount of produce — including local produce, yay! I picked up some delicious locally grown asparagus for $ 2.99/lb — it’s beautiful. It should also be known that they carry an array of unique frozen seafoods, dairy, eggs, and other pantry staples. This is far from just a meat market. I find myself heading here first now.
Great shop! Clean, friendly and fresh.

I have been trusting River’s Edge Meat Market for all of my venison processing needs for approximately the last six years. Unfortunately over the course of the last two-​three years I have seen a drastic decline in their ability to provide quality butchering and a trusted product. When I have my deer processed, my only request is to have the tenderloin and back straps packaged, roasts packaged, and the remaining meat put in to hamburger… nothing fancy. As of recently, I’ve thrown away approximately ¹⁄₃ of every roast every time I attempted to use one due to an overabundance of fat and gristle. I have NO IDEA where they decided to pull these «roasts» from on the animal. Every deer I have PERSONALLY processed revealed a minimal amount of fat or gristle anywhere near the shoulder or rump roasts.
When I called and spoke to someone at River’s Edge I was informed they were only de-​boning deer this year, so the incompetent butchering problem would no longer be an issue. So, let me get this straight… instead of «fixing» the problem by hiring competent butchers, you simply provide less of a service to the customer for close to the same cost? Well played, River’s Edge… well played. I will no longer be utilizing your shop for any of my venison processing needs.

Very disappointed!!! I ordered their meat bundles one each of the beef, pork, and variety. I excepted to get fresh meat that they processed and butchered. What I got was products that come from the local grocery store. I received a Hill shire Ham, commercial hot dogs, and a bag Value Time chicken breasts (which is a generic brand). I did call them, and they offered me no help, or were not apologetic for my misunderstanding that I thought I would be receiving fresh food. Also, when I ordered my bundles on the phone ahead of time, I had asked how it was packaged, the lady told me me in one pound packages. The bacon I got was a 5 lb. box of bacon all frozen together. Who eats 5 lbs. of bacon at a time? That goes back to I had asked how everything was packaged. My In-​laws were with us also, and bought a variety bundle as well. They also are very disappointed, and feel ripped off. We will not be back, I can go to my own local grocery store and buy that quality of food.

I grew up going to a butcher, a grocery store, and a produce stand. They each served a particular function. The rivers edge provides a great product through great means. I feel welcome and paid attention to each time I visit. I visit at least once a week.