Master Purveyors

NYC Food and Coronavirus: Photos at Hunts Point, New York’s Most Important Food Hub | Eater NY

"As a USDA-inspected meat processor in Hunts Point that normally supplies restaurants like Pastis, Veronika, and Cote, Master Purveyors briefly closed after several butchers showed COVID-19 symptoms but reopened the next day because management had pre-split the staff into three teams that never crossed paths, paid them in full, and rotated work so a sick employee would only sideline one unit. After two weeks the three ill butchers returned, but the business now retains just about 15 percent of its regular revenue; a normal week moved 250,000 pounds of meat to restaurants, while direct-to-consumer sales currently account for only about 1,000 pounds. Management reports losing roughly $150,000 a week, is prepared to lose up to $4 million over the crisis, and is determined to stay open to preserve the supply chain after 63 years in business." - Gary He