The Uchucklesaht Tribe Government is the proud new owner of Pete’s Mountain Meats and is promising to deliver the same high quality and service that Peter Kurucz and his family has been delivering for 30 years.
“Uchucklesaht Capital Assets Inc. (UCAI) is excited to announce the purchase of Pete’s Mountain Meats,” said UCAI Director Wilfred Cootes in a statement. “This acquisition aligns with our broader vision of fostering economic growth while preserving the values and traditions that define us.”
Kurucz said it was back in the ‘90s that he and his mother started making smoked meat and sausage, selling their goods at Port Alberni’s farmer’s market every Saturday. He launched his business in 1995, selling “old fashioned sausage, healthy dinner ideas, imported European goods, great lunches and fresh meats.”
In 2010 he bought and renovated a brick heritage building at 4888 Johnston Road that once served as the Alberni Post Office. With a smoker out back, lunch-time customers can enjoy the aroma of freshly smoked meat as they wait for custom-made sandwiches.
But as fun and successful as the business has been Pete knows it’s time to move on.
“I’m going to be 65 this year – my brain wants to do it, but…,” he trailed off with a chuckle.
The business has been on the market for several months and, according to a photo showing a ‘SOLD’ sign on social media, the sale took place around March 8.
Neither side has disclosed the price, but Pete says he is so far excited about the care Uchucklesaht is putting into keeping the business growing and successful.
“I know some that enquired (about buying the business) would not make it a year, but with UCA it’s just going to go up,” Kurucz told Ha-Shilth-Sa.
Known for its quality of product and service Kurucz said that UCA has hired a butcher that is training under him.
“The gentleman used to work for me and is a great person,” said Kurucz.
The new butcher is being retrained not only in making the old family favorite recipes, but also in buying and selling.
“It will be the same recipes and product…the quality will stay the same or better,” said Kurucz.
Cootes concurs, adding, “UCAI expects Pete’s Mountain Meats will continue operating as ‘business as usual’
thanks to the commitment of Pete and Anita to support us during a transition period.”
Some of the current staff will remain on board, ensuring continuity of service.
“We are also thankful that the great current staff will remain with us so the community will continue to see the helpful, happy and dedicated staff that Pete’s has become known for having, in addition to top quality products,” explained Cootes.
Pete and his wife Anita are staying on to train new staff for a short period of time. Kurucz says he’s had assurances from UCA’s chief executive officer.
“He told me straight up that if something is not right, come to us and we’ll make the same or better,” he told Ha-Shilth-Sa.
“The staff and the public have brought forward many great ideas that we look to incorporate over time but, rest assured, the products and services that have made Pete’s Mountain Meats a success will continue to be offered while exploring new opportunities to serve the community even better,” Cootes promised. “And we're happy to say that Pete will be sticking around the shop to make sure the product and service remain at the high standard he and staff set.”
