Meat and greet Kenny at Prime Time

MILFORD — “Meat” and “greet” are the quintessential two words that describe Kenny Peereboom and his friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff of 12 at Prime Time Meats. When I asked Kenny about the store hours, he said, “If you are a little early, come on in .The door is always open.” And that is exactly the ambiance he has created in this sparkling clean, food-treasure of a store. Kenny took time out from the hustle and bustle of daily business to talk about the store and his families. He is very proud of his own personal family — his wife Liza and two sons, Karter and Luke — and the staff at Prime Time — his other family. PCC: ”Peereboom” is an interesting and unusual name. What is its origin? KP: It means “pear tree” in Dutch. My family comes from Holland originally. PCC: Is Prime Time Meats a family business? KP: Most of my family is in the meat business. Prime Time was originally owned by my uncle who currently owns Sussex Meat Packing with some of my other uncles. It started in 1993, originally next to Myer, the Florist on the three lane. PCC: When did you become the owner? KP: I was the “clean up kid” in the store and learned the business. I bought it from my uncle in 1996 and have owned it ever since. We moved here to Prime Time Plaza on Feb. 14, 2006. PCC: That is quite an impressive success story — from “clean up kid” to owner of this plaza and this amazing store. KP: It has been very rewarding. I really enjoy dealing with people in our community. PCC: I notice that you keep adding a great variety of food products. KP: We carry a full line of fresh natural chicken, beef, pork, and veal. We are the only specialty meat business in Pike County. We also carry fresh flounder, salmon, and catfish, as well as prepared foods (“Heat ‘N Eat” meals), imported items from soup to nuts, condiments, soft drinks, and frozen vegetables. PCC: The Deli is new, too, isn’t it? KP: Yes. Don Hartmann manages our full- service deli and we have sandwiches and hot lunches, too. We’ll have fried chicken very soon.. PCC: One of the things you are noted for is helping to support local grass-roots community projects. What kinds of projects have you helped? KP: We have supplied French fries to the Football League in Dingmans, and hot dogs for Project Play. We helped Hunters Sharing the Harvest get the food they don’t need to people who do. PCC: Your web site is very interesting. Can people order from it? KP: We list a variety of bulk freezer orders for all kinds of budgets; Budget Saver Specials, All American Specials, Gourmet Barbecue Specials, and Executive Homemaker Specials. People view the various specials and sales on our website and call in their orders one day in advance. There is also an e-mail newsletter people can sign up for to be notified of Internet specials and sales. PCC: You are a busy man, Kenny P. How do you do it all? KP:. With the help of our employees. They are happy because we treat everyone like family We even have outings some times. The most important thing is family — at home and here at the store.