Honoring a Legacy While Looking Ahead
Standard Meat Company (SMC), a fourth-generation, family-owned pioneer in protein processing and packaging, is marking a remarkable milestone: 90 years in business. What began in 1935—rooted even earlier in a humble family meat stall at Fort Worth’s historic public market—has evolved into a global partner for both food service and retail clients.
As the company celebrates nearly a century of innovation, it is preparing to launch its fifth production facility, a state-of-the-art plant located near its headquarters at the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. This expansion represents much more than increased capacity — it is a symbol of SMC’s growth, adaptability, and enduring commitment to innovation and customer success.
A High-Tech Facility Designed for Flexibility
The new Fort Worth Stockyards facility will join SMC’s existing production locations in Dallas, Irving, Saginaw, and Ponder, Texas. With a clear focus on flexibility and cutting-edge processing, the new plant is the company’s most technologically advanced yet.
Built to meet both current and future needs, the facility is equipped to scale advanced capabilities like sous vide cooking, cast-iron searing, and meal-kit packaging. It has also been designed to remain nimble — ready to incorporate emerging technologies and adapt to evolving customer demands.
“We’re excited about how this facility allows us to grow our existing operations while also creating space for experimentation and new solutions,” said Ben Rosenthal, Co-President of SMC. “It’s about staying ahead of the curve, and ensuring we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
Fourth-Generation Leadership with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
At the heart of SMC’s evolution are Co-Presidents Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld, siblings who represent the company’s fourth generation of family leadership. Under their stewardship since 2019, Standard Meat has undergone rapid and strategic expansion — growing from two to five production plants and expanding its technological capabilities.
Their leadership has been nationally recognized. In 2024, the Rosenthals were honored as EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® national award winners, celebrated for their innovation and impact in a highly competitive industry.
The new Fort Worth plant, according to the Rosenthals, is an embodiment of both family heritage and the company’s forward-looking vision.
“Our grandfather Manny helped revolutionize the meat industry with Cryovac packaging in the 1960s,” said Rosenthal. “Our father Billy introduced automated steak portioning. Today, we’re leaving our own mark with innovations in sous vide, energy-efficient ice production, and sustainable packaging. It’s still the same entrepreneurial drive — just adapted for today’s world.”
A History of Resilience
SMC’s 90-year history is more than a tale of longevity — it’s a story of resilience and reinvention. The company was founded in 1935, in the midst of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, and has since weathered wars, economic recessions, supply chain disruptions, and evolving consumer expectations.
“Ninety years in, the SMC family has faced down plenty of challenges — and helped guide our customers through theirs,” said Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld. “We’ve learned to stay scrappy, stay focused, and always be ready to pivot. That’s how we’ve grown, and it’s how we help our partners grow too.”
This spirit of flexibility and determination is what allows SMC to remain a trusted partner for brands navigating the increasingly complex food production and logistics landscape.
Investing in People and Purpose
As SMC grows in size and complexity, its internal culture continues to play a vital role in its success. That’s why, in honor of its 90th anniversary, the company is doubling down on its purpose-driven mission with the creation of a new Culture & Strategy Department.
This department is charged with embedding SMC’s updated purpose statement—“To inspire the connections and breakthroughs that ultimately feed our life”—throughout every part of the organization.
“We’re investing in our people because that’s where long-term success comes from,” said Blumenfeld. “This isn’t just about how we show up for each other inside the company—it’s also about how we show up for our customers. A strong culture creates strong partnerships.”
The new department will focus on leadership development, internal alignment, and embedding the company’s values across its 1,100-person workforce. By strengthening its internal culture, SMC aims to foster the creativity and agility required to meet both current and future market demands.
Celebrating 90 Years of Innovation
Throughout 2025, Standard Meat Company will be hosting a series of anniversary events, customer initiatives, and historical reflections to celebrate its 90th year in business. The festivities will culminate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fort Worth Stockyards facility, currently in soft-launch production and slated for an official Grand Opening on September 17, 2025.
The anniversary celebration will not only reflect on the company’s past, but also cast a spotlight on its plans for the future—including new investments in sustainable operations, employee development, and continued global expansion.
A 90-Year-Old Startup
Rosenthal and Blumenfeld often refer to Standard Meat as a “90-year-old startup,” a phrase that perfectly captures the company’s identity. It’s a business built on decades of knowledge and tradition, yet energized by a forward-looking, entrepreneurial mindset.
“Our company today looks very different from what it did even six years ago,” said Rosenthal. “But the spirit is the same. We’re always thinking about what’s next — and how we can continue helping our partners grow, adapt, and succeed in a changing world.”
With the upcoming launch of its newest facility, continued leadership investment, and a company-wide commitment to innovation and purpose, Standard Meat Company is proving that age is no barrier to ambition.
ABOUT STANDARD MEAT
Standard Meat Company is a multi-generational protein processor with expertise in portioning, packaging, and culinary preparation, including marination, sous vide, and searing. Founded 90 years ago and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the innovative business serves a variety of foodservice needs from their four — soon to be five — north Texas plants. Pioneers in steak cutting, Standard Meat Company is a recognized expert in meat science, food safety and quality assurance, culinary trends, purchasing, and packaging.
For more information, visit www.standardmeat.com.
