New Cloudcroft meat business opens during coronavirus scare

Jon Schuster's family has lived in the Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft, New Mexico for more than a century. Schuster currently lives in Schuster Cottage, a house built by his forefathers in the early 1900s in the Cloudcroft area.

Schuster is a business owner opening a meat market in the time of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; a time when restrictions have been placed on all non-essential businesses in New Mexico in order to slow the spread of the virus.

Schuster said he saw a need in the community for more food options.

"It's just an opportunity to meet the need," Schuster said.

"It's just one of those things where I can try to ease some anxiety because people can come in and get dinner."

More:Cloudcroft declares public health emergency

The Village of Cloudcroft voted unanimously to adopt a resolution declaring a public health state of emergency on Wednesday and though several local restaurants continue operating curbside or delivery services, other area businesses have closed for the time-being. 

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham amended a public health emergency order last week setting limits on what "essential" businesses can remain open at this time, to include: grocery stores and food production, pharmacies, health care, utilities, shipping, banking, governmental services, law enforcement, emergency personnel and journalists.

Although there are no food shortages in the area, certain items may be harder to grab at grocery stores in Alamogordo due to an increase in panic buying.

In a time when opening a business might seem like an insurmountable challenge, Schuster chose to open a food business selling meat to consumers in the area.

"There hasn't been a grocery store here in five years so everybody in Timberon and Mayhill has to come through Cloudcroft just to get on Highway 82 to go down another 22 miles to get to the closest grocery store."

Schuster opened his meat and specialty shop, Meat on the Mountain, on Thursday.

He said he hopes area customers will appreciate having ready access to quality meat products like free range Angus beef and chicken, as well as wild-caught seafood.

"Yes it is a little pricier but when you consider what you're already spending," Schuster said.

"You're spending an hour to get down to Alamogordo and back, add that to your grocery bill, not to mention your gas, or the wear and tear on your vehicle, so think of it as a convenience."

Schuster's supplier, Gourmet Gary's Natural Foods, does not use antibiotics or hormones in their meat products and offers home delivery.

Schuster said he hopes to add specialty items like pastas and breads for now, and to eventually add sauces, spices and possibly freshly roasted Hatch chiles to his stock as an accompaniment to a nice meal.

Schuster said he is setting a few ground rules for his business to not only comply with the governor's restrictions but also in an attempt to prevent food hoarding.

More:City of Alamogordo: Claims of food shortages, quarantine amid coronavirus are false

The business is accepting cash only until internet has been installed and the inside of the store is limited to two customers inside at a time to promote social distancing.

Meat products can be sold by the box or individually. Schuster also recommends defrosting the meats in cold water.

More:Alamogordo restaurants weather New Mexico coronavirus public health restrictions

"People may say, 'Is it going to be worth it?' well you taste it and tell me," Schuster said.

The business is located at 505 Burro Avenue #102 in the Burro Street Exchange in Cloudcroft. Check out the store's Facebook page for more information. It is the store with the lime green front door. 

Cristina Carreon can be reached at ccarreon@alamogordonews.com, 575-437-7120 or on Twitter @Cris_carreon90.