River City Six: Ross Jones
Since 1959, Just Good Meat (shop.justgoodmeatomaha.com) has taken great pride in providing the finest quality beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and exotic meats in the area. Today, they’ve grown to offer so much more, with an amazing selection of homemade sides and dishes along with the addition of catering and an online storefront. Ross Jones is the Manager of Just Good Meat.
Tell us a little about your business.
You might be familiar with our motto, “You Can’t Beat Our Meat,” and that about sums it up. From our roots as the local butcher shop, we’ve expanded over the years to become a modern-day full-service meat market, deli, caterer, and now a place to stop in a grab a quick bite for breakfast or lunch.
How did you get started in the business?
I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I’ve been with Just Good Meat for 6 years now, and learned all I know from on-the-job experience and mentorship.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
I’d say the ‘holiday rush’ each year; it’s intense. Naturally it’s to be expected in our industry, and we strive to get customers in and out quickly while still providing the quality products and excellent service we’re best known for here in Omaha. As the years have gone by, we’ve found ways to improve processes to make things go more smoothly, but it can be quite the formidable challenge to keep everyone happy in the midst of the madness.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Learning all of the different aspects of the business here at Just Good Meat. We offer a wide variety of different types and cuts of meats and a big part of my job is to know about each one and the processes that go along with preparation of each, which I’m very proud to have mastered.
Tell me a little about your family.
It’s just me and my 18-month-old son Maverick in our household. Most of my family lives in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, and we are all pretty close.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
By far the day my son was born. It’s thrilling to become a parent.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with my son. Weather permitting we are usually at the lake or the zoo.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When the baby is sleeping, you sleep!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Precise.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Playing my drums!
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
We are active in a lot of organizations here in the Omaha Metro, and donate to the Francis House monthly.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Mosh Potatoes: Recipes, Anecdotes, and Mayhem from the Heavyweights of Heavy Metal by Steve Seabury.
What is your favorite movie?
I enjoy watching documentaries.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Johnny Sortino’s Pizza Parlor. I’ve been a fan of their pizza since I was a kid!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Martin Luther King, Jr.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Visit us online at shop.justgoodmeatomaha.com or call the store at (402) 339-7474.