Above, Frank Boeck, owner of Frank’s Hometown Meats, cuts some fresh porter house steaks for his display case. Bottom right, The marble pattern that is visible in both this ribeye and porter house steak is a sure sign of tenderness. Connor Cummiskey photo
Frank’s Hometown Meats specializes in quality
by Connor Cummiskey
When looking at steak, one of the surest signs of quality and tenderness is a marble pattern in the meat.
At Frank’s Hometown Meats, 162 West Huron St. in Berlin, that pattern is seen in the majority of the steaks.
The downtown Berlin shop is owned and operated by Frank Boeck, who expertly cuts the meat he puts in the display case.
Boeck has been in the meat business for around 27 years and opened up his shop in Berlin a little more than two years ago.
His favorite part of the job, and what keeps him coming back are the customers.
“I like the customers, even if your boss does not give you a pat on the back your customers’ compliments do,” Boeck said.
One of the hottest selling items in the shop are the steaks.
“Steaks are awesome, they just are,” Boeck said.
Other popular products include the wide variety of burger patties he has for sale.
These include more interesting flavors like mushrooms and mozzarella, and hot pepper.
Boeck also sells less common meat, like rabbit or alligator sausage.
The majority of Boeck’s meat comes all the way from Green Lake — Green Lake, Colo. that is.
While that may be a long distance to go for meat, there are good reasons for it.
“It is inspected three different times to make sure the quality is there,” Boeck said. “It is mostly humanely treated cattle. They graze as calves in the pasture and they spend their life out there.”
Because of how the cattle are treated and because they are mostly grass-fed, Boeck is able to ensure higher-quality meat.
However, not only is it higher quality, it also is set at a reasonable price.
“I am every way comparable or even cheaper than a grocery store with better quality,” Boeck said.
His claims of high quality for a good price are not just hot air. Because of how he runs his business, he can make it a guarantee.
“I have a lower overhead than most places, so I can keep it at a decent price,” Boeck said.
While his prices are good, there is one thing that is more important to Boeck than anything else in his business.
He does as much as possible to ensure that his meat is the best that it can be.
“There is no substitute for quality,” Boeck said. “I could try to slip in some cheaper meat and sell it at a ridiculously low price, but if the quality is not there, the people are not happy.”
Not only does Boeck ensure that his product is high quality, but he also makes sure to keep his place clean and safe for his customers.
“I have a perfect score from the state,” Boeck said.
He has even hung it on his wall for all of his customers to see.
Because happy customers are his favorite part of the job, Boeck makes sure to do everything in his power to ensure their satisfaction.
“If you are good to the people and treat them well, they will come back,” Boeck said.
Frank’s Hometown Meats is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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