Montclair Meats is carving a path to sustainability by using whole animals and promoting ethical sourcing, owner Steven Kim said.

The shop, rare in New Jersey, breaks down entire cow carcasses on-site, offering unique cuts like flanken, galbi, and merlot, appealing to adventurous local customers, Kim told News 12.

A former Goldman Sachs employee, Kim, 42, left finance to focus on food origins and sustainable farming. The shop sources beef from New York farms where cows graze on pasture, a practice Kim noted is kinder to animals and the environment.

Beef prices, however, have risen, with Kim paying 6% more in the last year, nearing record highs.

Montclair Meats minimizes waste by making in-house sausage, stock from bones, and dog treats from pork skin. Kim aims to increase transparency in an often-secretive meat industry, prioritizing sustainability and respect for animals.