A Fresno native who spent years in the jewelry business has opened a specialty butcher shop in north Fresno, hoping to bring a more personal touch to buying meat.
Valley Prime Meats & Carniceria, located at 7054 N. Cedar Ave. at the corner of Herndon and Cedar avenues, opened May 9 and has been operating for just over a month.
Owner Ray Rabah said the idea grew out of his love for food and a desire to offer something different in Fresno.
“So we started this idea in 2024, and I have a passion for food …There’s a lot of great shops here in Fresno, but we wanted to bring something new to Fresno when it comes to the meat,” Rabah said.
Rabah said the shop aims to provide customers with personal service that can be difficult to find at larger grocery stores.
“We want to have that one-on-one interaction with that customer because we’re losing it … (When) you go to grocery stores, you’re just buying that prepackaged stuff paying for it and leaving,” Rabah said. “We want to help you pick out your chicken, your beef, your lamb, for your next family gathering, for an anniversary, whatever the occasion may be.”
The Seasoning Station
The store offers a variety of beef, chicken, and lamb products, and features a seasoning station with more than 35 seasoning blends.
“We have so many flavors to choose from. Anytime you come here, you can try something new. Literally a flavor a day for the whole month,” Rabah said.
The business also encourages customers to learn more about how products are handled and prepared.
“We love to give tours around the store,” Rabah said. “I can take you into the walk-in cooler, see how we have our stuff on the shelves, take you in the back to see where we process everything.”
Rabah said employees work closely with customers who may be unfamiliar with different cuts of meat, asking questions about what they plan to cook, and recommending options based on their meal.
The shop also offers vacuum-sealed packaging for customers looking to preserve freshness.
A Fresno native, Rabah said opening his first store in his hometown was important.
“I was born and raised in Fresno,” he said. “I love Fresno, I love our community and that’s why we wanted our first location to be here in Fresno. Hopefully first of many.”
Rabah said the business also wants to help residents facing financial hardship.
“If anybody in need that can’t afford any food, please come here and we won’t ask any questions,” Rabah said. “We’re for the the people.”
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