This February, Ghent’s first butcher shop, Pendulum Fine Meats, will open in the heart of the neighborhood behind the Naro Theater. I caught up with one of the owners, Amy Neff to learn more about this exciting new business venture.
What is the vision for your business?
AN: Pendulum Fine Meats is a family business that brings the highest quality, best raised animals to the market in Hampton Roads. We seek to strengthen the connection between local farmers and local consumers. We are excited to tell the stories of farmers and believe that their efforts to raise animals ethically and to farm sustainably will translate into better health for our customers and the local environment. By dealing directly with farmers, we buy whole animals and we try to use every part. It’s a thriftiness, respect, good stewardship principle that we ground ourselves within.
How did you come up with the name?
AN: We are big on symbolism, and the pendulum really resonated with all of us. We aren't fanatics, or puritans- we are parents and sometimes so busy and hungry that the 7/11 snack row is, well, IT. But we do believe that we can provide local consumers with products that swing the pendulum towards non-CAFO meat and local products. (CAFO= concentrated animal feedlot operation)
What products and services will be provided?
AN: Pendulum will have everything that you might need for a meal that day: meat, fresh and prepared vegetables and starches, a few desserts, bread from a local bakery, a limited grocery section with milk, eggs, cheese and butter, beer and wine. We will sell some great kitchen equipment and knives, and offer knife sharpening. We will occasionally offer a tasting menu/dinner at our location, which offers seating for 43 diners. Dylan, our chef, will be able to showcase some less common cuts of meat or styles of preparation and he will offer cooking classes. We will smoke some items on a regular basis, such as salmon local fish. Whatever we can't make into people food will be available for pets.
Where will your animals come from?
AN: We are buying animals from farms in Virginia and North Carolina, with some backup supply in West Virginia and Tennessee. We hope to get to the point where all of the animals come from within 200 miles, but to really do that right we would need a high quality processor that is closer to this area.
What kinds of meat will you sell?
AN: Pendulum will sell beef, pork, lamb, goat and chicken. We will have specialty items, like turkey, seasonally.
Will you butcher right there on site?
AN: Yes. And teach others who are interested.
What made you want to open your business in Ghent?
AN: We live in Ghent, love Ghent and the local business community! Working on Pendulum has made us even more amazed by our community. We are excited about the commute times.
How can people get in touch with you?
AN: We have a Facebook page at Norfolk Pendulum. Or you can call 757-407-0768 (Amy) or 845-702-5203 (Dylan).
Pendulum Fine Meats is currently renovating the chiroptractic office across the parking lot behind the Naro. Special thanks to Amy for taking the time to interview.
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