We enjoy coming to work.”įleming Island’s rapid growth is unavoidable. “Knowing is ours and not a corporate thing, you know, that makes it more enjoyable. We’ve all become friends,” Laurie Wilkinson said. She said the most-rewarding aspect of the business is serving the children of customers who came in with their parents 20 years ago. While her husband cuts pork, she’s optimistic the Packers can improve on last season’s disappointing 6-9-1 record. Green Bay native Laurie Wilkinson’s father was an NFL referee in the 1960s. And on the right is a collection of Green Bay Packers memorabilia, numerous spices and sauces. You’d never make it.”Ĭustomers can see an array of meats behind the counter. “Years of experience, you don’t just go into a meat market yourself like you just wanted to have one. “Nobody wants to work this hard,” Carl said. With the help of a business partner, the meat market became a reality, although it meant the Wilkinsons had to work 80 hours weeks, including weekends. Originally from Palatka, he spent time at Winn-Dixie and Tillman’s Meats and Country Store in Mandarin honing the craft. About 4,000 pounds of meat come through the shop each week.Ĭarl gestured to the counter and said the filet mignon and French pork chops were some of the customers’ favorite, although he prefers tri-tip sirloin and prime rib. But it’s the array of cuts and freshness he said that sets Fleming Island Choice Meats apart. Besides the conventional slate of meat – chicken, pork and beef – the Wilkinsons also stuff chicken breasts and make their homemade sausages and jerky. It’s wedged behind a Circle K and beside a barber shop on Raggedy Point Road. Now Carl Wilkinson’s butcher shop competes with the chains that sprouted on County 220 and U.S. This was before the two Publix locations opened a few miles apart, or the Winn-Dixie, The Fresh Market, Sam’s Club and BJ's Wholesale. He researched court records and saw Fleming and Clay County’s potential. FLEMING ISLAND – You don’t run a meat market if your heart’s not in it.īefore Carl Wilkinson opened Fleming Island Choice Meats nearly 25 years ago, he had to choose between an underdeveloped Fleming Island or Fort Caroline on Jacksonville’s Southside.
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