It officially opened in August of 2025, however, Pat Cheatham, owner of Black Sheep Meat Market in Laurens said the government shutdown just weeks after opening slowed the process of receiving specific inspections, being able to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment and even those with SNAP benefits having the funds available to spend.
“The demand has always been there but it took a while to be able to fill the needs of all in the community,” Cheatham said.
The SNAP benefits matter (they accept Humana/United Health too) because Cheatham’s goal in the creation of Black Sheep Meat Market in Greenville and opening his second location in Laurens has always been the same – giving every person the opportunity to purchase fresh meat.
“Everyone should be served. We stay away from specialty items and offer quality meats at affordable prices,” Cheatam said. “I believe we’ve seen some of the grocery store increases because of those specialty items that drive up the price across all meats. You’re paying for luxury when the fact is, we don’t eat a $100 steak every day. We want chicken breast, fresh ground beef, sausage and fish and we’re serving quality without the overhead prices passed on to the customer.”
They are also identifying the needs of the community with plans for a fresh seafood counter in the future and even adjusting hours to better serve.
Cheatham spent years working in grocery stores and honing his skills as a trained meat cutter.
It was during the pandemic, he saw the need for affordable meat and opened Black Sheep Meat Market in Greenville in 2021. Cheatham said many customers were driving to Greenville from the Laurens area and he knew it would only add convenience for current customers and new customers if a second location was opened.
So far, Cheatham said the community support and response has been phenomenal.
“The word is getting out and we always ask customers how they heard about us. The response is always the barber shop, church, neighbors. The community is really showing us some love and we appreciate it,” Cheatham said.
Black Sheep Meat Market is open at 100 Fleming Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. M-F and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. Follow on Facebook for updated hours and new additions and they continue to grow.
Dining and Cooking