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The International Meat Market first opened its doors on November 1, 1983, as the “Carniçaria International Meat Market.” It was started by three lifelong friends: Benjamin Barcelos, Francisco Diniz, and Manuel Faria. The three friends migrated from the Azores in Portugal and traveled to several countries always working together as butchers. Through the years they gained extensive knowledge and became experts of their trade. They ended up in RI in the late 70’s where they worked at a local slaughterhouse together and decided to open a retail store of their own.

Since the first day of business, Ben, Frank, and Manny (as they were known) decided to never pre-package meat. Instead, they displayed all the different cuts of meat to their customers and had the customer pick the meat and explain how they wanted it butchered. They always put the highest quality meats in their case and kept the prices low so that they would have a fast turnaround keeping the meats fresh. The idea proved to be a success and the meat market has now been serving the local community for over 30 years.  

For over 30 years people have been driving to Central Falls from all over Southern New England for the freshest meats and for the best in customer service. And the tradition continues with all the wealth of knowledge and experience passed down to the current owners who have worked at their family’s meat market since they were kids.