Standard Meat Company (SMC), a fourth-generation, family-owned leader in protein processing and packaging, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone—90 years of continuous operation. Founded in 1935 during the turbulent Dust Bowl era, the company has not only endured but thrived, growing from a local Fort Worth meat business into a global supplier for the food service and retail industries. With deep roots in Fort Worth, Texas, SMC’s journey has been defined by innovation, resilience, and a relentless commitment to quality and people.
This year, SMC’s anniversary celebration is anchored by the opening of its fifth production facility, a state-of-the-art plant located near the company’s headquarters in the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. This new facility marks the company’s most advanced to date and reflects a significant investment in both technology and future-readiness. Joining existing plants in Dallas, Irving, Saginaw, and Ponder, the Stockyards facility brings new capabilities that will shape the company’s next chapter.
A New Generation Driving Forward
Now under the stewardship of fourth-generation co-presidents Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld, Standard Meat is blending its rich heritage with a modern, forward-looking strategy. Since assuming leadership in 2019, the sibling duo has guided the company through a period of transformational growth—tripling its operational footprint, launching cutting-edge processing technologies, and forging strategic partnerships that span traditional retail, food service, and emerging market segments.
“Our grandfather Manny revolutionized the industry in the 1960s with the introduction of Cryovac vacuum packaging,” recalled Rosenthal. “Our father Billy was an innovator in automated steak portioning. Today, we’re building on that legacy with next-generation solutions like sous vide, cast-iron searing, and advanced, energy-efficient ice manufacturing.”
That forward-thinking mindset has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of their leadership, Rosenthal and Blumenfeld were recently honored as national winners of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award—a testament to their vision, adaptability, and the success they’ve driven across the organization.
Next-Gen Facility for a Next-Gen Company
The new Fort Worth Stockyards facility is more than a celebration of the past—it’s a strategic investment in the company’s future. Designed for flexibility and scalability, the plant is built to accommodate both current and emerging technologies, allowing SMC to adapt quickly to evolving customer demands.
“This facility reflects where we’re going as a company,” said Blumenfeld. “It’s built for agility. We can expand our sous vide and searing lines or pivot to integrate new processes as consumer preferences shift or new opportunities arise. It’s about staying nimble while never compromising on quality.”
The plant, which is currently in soft-opening mode, is slated for an official grand opening on September 17, 2025. It will not only serve as a hub for product innovation but also as a model for sustainable and efficient food processing practices. As the most technologically advanced site in SMC’s network, it is expected to significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities and service offerings.
Culture as a Strategic Asset
While growth and technology are important, the leadership at Standard Meat is equally focused on preserving and enhancing the company’s values-driven culture. Throughout its 90-year history, a strong internal culture has been a pillar of SMC’s success. Today, as automation, innovation, and market complexities accelerate, the need to foster a purpose-driven, people-centric organization has never been more critical.
To that end, Rosenthal and Blumenfeld have launched a new Culture & Strategy Department, designed to integrate SMC’s newly refreshed purpose statement throughout the organization: “To inspire the connections and breakthroughs that ultimately feed our life.”
“This purpose is more than a slogan—it’s a call to action for how we lead, how we serve our partners, and how we empower our people,” said Blumenfeld. “We’re building a program that will be embedded across every team and process. It’s an investment in our employees and our relationships—because inspired people build inspired partnerships.”
The department will drive initiatives focused on leadership development, employee engagement, and strategic alignment, ensuring that every one of SMC’s 1,100 team members understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture.
Celebrating the Past, Building for the Future
Standard Meat’s history is a remarkable story of resilience. From its earliest days as a modest meat stall in Fort Worth’s historic public market to its evolution into a global protein powerhouse, the company has weathered war, economic downturns, industry disruptions, and supply chain volatility. And each time, it has emerged stronger and more innovative.
“Ninety years in business is no small feat,” said Rosenthal. “What makes us proudest is not just how long we’ve been around—but how we’ve continued to adapt, evolve, and lead. We’re constantly reimagining what’s possible in this industry.”
That adaptability is reflected in the company’s embrace of sustainability, automation, and customer customization. Whether it’s pioneering portion-controlled steaks, enhancing food safety through sous vide, or improving operational efficiency with smart energy solutions, SMC continues to set the standard for modern meat processing.
A 90-Year-Old Startup
Despite its long-standing roots, the leadership team sees Standard Meat as a “90-year-old startup”—an organization that honors its legacy but maintains the mindset of a disruptor.
“The world has changed so much in just the last five years, and so have we,” said Rosenthal. “The company looks and feels very different today than it did when Ashli and I stepped into leadership. But that’s the beauty of it—we’re proud of our past, but we’re even more excited about what comes next.”
As part of its anniversary celebrations, SMC is planning a series of reflections, events, and storytelling initiatives that will take place throughout 2025. These commemorations will culminate with the ribbon-cutting at the new Fort Worth facility this fall—a symbolic moment for a company that’s honoring its past while boldly stepping into the future.
From its humble beginnings in the heart of Texas to its current role as a trusted partner to forward-thinking food brands around the world, Standard Meat Company is proving that staying true to your roots doesn’t mean standing still. With a foundation built on family, innovation, and purpose, SMC is charting a path forward that is as bold and enduring as its history.
