Billings welcomes a new family‑owned butcher shop in its downtown core. Pete’s Meats opened its doors on November 2 at 2917 Second Ave. N., providing residents with fresh‑cut meat and a neighborhood‑style shopping experience.
Family vision becomes reality
Owner Pete Lee spent more than two decades as a retail meat cutter at various Billings shops before deciding to launch his own business. He says the idea took shape while working in a smaller shop, where he saw the value of close relationships between customers and the people preparing their food.
“Full‑service butcher shop, all fresh cut, everyday, kind of a neighborhood vibe is what we’re going for,” Lee explained. “I just like the feel of how much closer you are with your customers.”
All hands on deck
Lee’s wife, Lindsay, and their two daughters, Poppy and Gussie, are integral to daily operations. Lindsay balances a full‑time job while helping at the shop, and the daughters assist with customer service and other tasks. Gussie, now 23, recalls writing a letter to her future self in high school hoping to open a butcher shop with her dad. Seeing that dream realized was “a bittersweet moment” for her.
Overcoming setbacks
The family’s path included a win in the Downtown Billings Business Association’s 2024 Battle of the Plans, which provided funding and resources. A federal government shutdown the following year delayed financing for five to six months, forcing the Lee family to pause while they awaited approval. The building’s owner allowed them to retain the space during the delay, and financing finally arrived in March, enabling the renovation of a former hair salon into a full‑service butcher shop.
What the shop offers
Pete’s Meats stocks fresh beef, pork, chicken, house‑made sausages and bratwursts. Lee emphasizes daily fresh cuts and custom orders, and he hopes to expand locally sourced meat as the business grows. Prices reflect rising national beef costs—USDA forecasts an 8.7% increase in 2026—but Lee works to keep them competitive, offering discounts on larger purchases.
Supporting downtown growth
The opening arrives as downtown Billings experiences a residential boom. Development Director Mehmet Casey notes the central business district now contains 1,142 residential units, up 139 since 2020. Yet grocery options remain limited after the 2024 closure of Lil’ Market Groceries and the earlier dissolution of Good Earth Market. Pete’s Meats adds a valuable food‑shopping choice for residents who prefer to avoid driving to larger stores.
Lee also addresses parking concerns with a light‑hearted offer: “If you need some pocket change for the meter, come in, I’ll give it to you. No problem.”
Looking ahead
Despite challenges, Lee remains grateful for his family’s perseverance. “I’m living the dream, really. There have been some hurdles along the way and several times I just wanted to quit,” he said. “If it’s really what I love, it’ll show in the work and with my customers.”
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
