Prime Time Meats celebrates 20 years in Milford

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — Carrying on a 100-year-old tradition comes easy to Kenny Peereboom.
Growing up in a New Jersey family in the meat business, Peereboom started out at age 15, helping in his uncle’s shop. He did everything that needed doing until he and his uncle agreed he was ready to branch out on his own. He moved to Milford, where he opened Prime Time Meats next to Myer the Florist before moving to his current location on Wheatfield Drive, off Route 6, in 1996.
Peereboom’s cheerful, larger-than-life personality is easy to warm up to. He believes his business success is rooted in his connection with customers.
“We’re not in this for the money,” he said. “We like to see people smile when they leave here.”
That farewell smile is sure to bring the customers back, he said. And the business is thriving.
“We like to help people,” Peereboom said.
The store is a real butcher’s shop. Customers praise the quality of the meats on social media.
Besides offering all kinds of fresh meats, plain or in various marinades, the shop carries deli foods, seafood, baked goods, dairy items, and prepared foods. The lunch specials on one recent Tuesday included:
Shrimp and roasted corn chowder/Italian wedding soup
Chicken cordon bleu on a roll with honey mustard
Italian wrap with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, vinegar, mayo, and banana peppers
Panini with muenster, bacon, and tomato
Prime Time Meats is involved in the community, sponsoring events and giving back whenever it can. If anyone in need comes to him, Peereboom said, he’s always willing to help.
Although Peereboom no longer works with family, he said, his employees fill that role.
“I have two butchers who have been with me for 20 years now," he said. "They are like family.”
His wife, Liza, keeps all the books. And the couple’s three sons, ages 11, 9, and 8, are growing up watching their dad work. One of them may someday carry on the family business, Peereboom said hopefully.
“But it’s a little early to tell,” he said.
All three boys attend Delaware Valley schools.
During the winter, most of the clientele are local residents. But in summer, when Milford’s population almost doubles with part-timers, many seasonal customers return.
He said another reason for his success is the willingness of other local businesses in the same line, like Fretta’s Italian Food Specialties, the Waterwheel, and Naked Bagel, to work together.
“We are not in competition,” Peereboom said. “We’re not trying to drive each other out of business. We help each other.”
For more information visit primetimemeatspa.com.