While picking through Sam's cases of packer briskets yesterday,the asst. meat manager pointed out that SuperWalmart is now getting the same briskets as Sam's for $0.10/lb more.

He had been their manager and this has been the situation for over a month.

The rest of Walmart product is still the same.

He confirmed choice,rather than their usual select.

Maybe it is just our market area,but it might be worth checking.

Tom-

In Tampa, it seems the Walmart's Supercenter has the packer cuts for sale, and not the local Sam's Club.

Looks like we may have missed Ivan's rampage?

Yep.

It is sorta random about storms and packers.

Ask to talk to the meat manager.

They get three trucks a week and maybe they'll order singles for you.

All the Sam's in your area are different.

Some of the cooks just cook flats, because Sam's usually has nice 6-7 lb. ones.

We hold packers at about 4 or 5 weeks at 33�-35� and they also freeze well.

They used to order cases in small or large size packers.

Now they are coming mixed from 9 to 18 lbs.

We may go six shipments without packers on the truck and then they'll get three cases.

We pick through them and keep all those from about 14.5-16 lbs.

Tom,
When you are in competition and they inspect your meat, what are they looking for? If you've had it frozen, does the date on the package count against you?
Thanks for the info on WalMart.
Peggy

I noticed that our super Wal-Mart is carrying the choice whole brisket here too. They seem to averge about 14 lbs or so.

Mornin' Peggy,

Basically that you are holding it under 40� and the meat has not been cut up,brined,marinated,seasoned,already cooked,etc.

Date is not something to be concerned about.

If it comes in cryovac,or the original buthcher's wrap,they are checking for proper cold temp.

Sometimes cooks open the cryovac to prep and find that it has gone bad on them.