Big Bend Market has expanded to Red Deer’s north side.
Ivan Smith, who operates a shop in Southpointe Common, recently took over the location once occupied by a butcher shop.
Smith said he bought the north-end business, formerly known as Farmer’s Gate or Nature’s Gate, because it was a “fabulous set-up.”
“It has fabrication equipment for processing meat, so we can make sausage in there and cut steaks and tie roasts,” he said.
The previous owner was “happy to see the business” stay in Red Deer, Smith said.
One potential purchaser had looked at moving it to Camrose, Smith said.
Big Bend Market North will continue to carry Farmer’s Gate products. Elk, pork, chicken, bison and beef will be among the meats offered.
And he’s offering the same kind of products, like locally made Sylvan Star Cheese, found in his south shop.
“We’ll be able to serve the food service agency as well,” Smith said.
Smith said his Big Bend Market South location is too small for larger volumes of production.
“The north (location) production area is enormous but the front end selling area is small,” Smith said. “The two really complement each other.”
Big Bend Market North is found at North Bay 15, 7619-50th Ave. Its phone number is 403-342-0991. Its hours of operation are 9-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Big Bend Market South includes a full deli and lots of locally-produced products including fresh antibiotic and hormone-free meat plus baked bread. It is found at #157, 2004-50th Ave. Its hours are 9:30-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Its phone number is 403-341-2344.