First Time Visiting Maxwell Custom Beef? Here's What to Expect.
As more people discover us, one thing has become pretty clear...
Our building isn't the easiest place to figure out the first time you visit.
Every week we have customers from Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Ames, Bondurant, Waukee, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, and across Central Iowa stopping in to pick up beef shares, grab steaks, or learn more about buying locally raised Iowa beef.
If that's you, here's exactly how it works.
Step 1: Come Through the East Entrance
When you arrive, head to the east side of the building and come through that door.
Go up the stairs into the office and ask for Tucker or Matt.
We'll get you checked in, answer any questions you have, and help you find exactly what you're looking for.
It may not be the most obvious setup, but once you've been here once, it's easy.
Step 2: Don't Expect a Grocery Store Meat Counter
One of the first things people notice is...
We don't have a retail meat case.
And that's by design.
Maxwell Custom Beef isn't trying to be another butcher shop or grocery store.
We're a custom meat locker serving Des Moines and Central Iowa, and that's where nearly all of our attention goes.
Our job is processing locally raised cattle into beef shares for families and providing custom processing for Iowa cattle producers.
So...Can You Still Buy Meat?
Absolutely.
While we don't stock dozens of different cuts every day, we usually have a selection of customer favorites available.
That often includes:
Ribeye steaks
New York strips
Ground beef
Thick-cut pork chops
Selection changes depending on inventory, so if you're making a special trip, don't hesitate to call ahead.
What We Really Do
If you're wondering what makes Maxwell Custom Beef different, here's the answer.
About 90–95% of everything we do is quarter, half, and whole beef shares.
That's our specialty.
We believe buying beef directly from local Iowa farmers is one of the best ways to stock your freezer, support local agriculture, and enjoy beef that's been properly dry aged and cut exactly how you want it.
Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, we've chosen to focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.
Why We Operate This Way
Could we build a big retail meat market?
Sure.
But that's never been our mission.
Every dollar we invest goes toward improving the things that actually matter:
Better dry aging
Better processing
Better packaging
Better customer service
Better relationships with Iowa cattle producers
That's how we believe we deliver the best value to families throughout Central Iowa.
We'd Love to Meet You
Whether you're stopping in for a few steaks or picking up your first half beef, we're always happy to help.
Just remember:
East entrance. Up the stairs. Ask for Tucker or Matt.
Simple as that.
If you've been searching for beef shares in Des Moines, freezer beef in Central Iowa, or a local meat locker near Des Moines, we'd love the opportunity to earn your business.
Because at Maxwell Custom Beef, we believe Iowa beef is the best beef in the world—and we're proud to help bring it from local farms to your family's table.
Browse our current offerings anytime at store.maxwellcustombeef.com.
You can also call or text: 515-265-1618.
