Courtesy Monahan’s Meats
By Paul Post
“I’ve always wanted to open an Italian meat market event though I’m not Italian,” Mark Monahan said, smiling. “I’m Irish and French.”
The Hudson Falls native’s dream came true recently with the opening of Monahan’s Meats, adjacent to Massie’s Restaurant, at 67 Main St. in South Glens Falls.
Guanciale, soppressata and speck Alto Adige are just a few of the long line of fresh meats available, much of it from famed Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, renowned as New York City’s “Real Little Italy.”
Monahan, 52, has been a professional butcher for most of his adult life, having worked for Grand Union, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Hannaford and the well-known Fred the Butcher in Clifton Park. But he got the idea for launching his own business during a stint at Tops Friendly Markets in Bolton Landing.
“That’s where I was working when Covid was in full swing,” he said. “A lot of people have sold their house and moved up here from Long Island, New York and New Jersey since then. I’m offering things they could get in the city, but can’t find up here.”
Monahan makes meat snack sticks in-house along with sausage rings. One is made of sweet sausage, provolone and parsley; another is made of sweet sausage, cheddar and parsley.
There’s also smoked ham, smoked turkey and marinated chicken, but meats aren’t the only things on hand.
Coolers, display cases and shelves are stocked with all kinds of Italian fare, such as Borgatti’s famous ravioli and egg noodles; Bartolini’s borlotti beans; porcini mushrooms; and a wide selection of jarred olives, sauces and peppers.
And there’s an almost endless choice of fresh cheese, such as Fiore di Sardegna, made from whole sheep’s milk and imported from Italy.
The market’s high-quality fresh steaks and ground beef are popular during the summer grilling season.
“Usually when you cook and grill, families come together,” Monahan said. “Once people start grilling, you create happy moments and they tell other people about what you’ve got.”
He’s building the business on walk-in retail sales. People may also place pickup orders ahead of time by text or phone.
“I don’t sell to restaurants yet, but I would if they contact me,” Monahan said. “I’d give them a wholesale price.”
Eventually, he’d like to begin offering breakfast items, sandwiches and subs.
The store’s opening fills a void in South Glens Falls following the recent closure of Sorrentino’s Deli & Market, almost directly across the street, although Monahan said the timing was strictly coincidental, not planned.
In addition to imported Italian goods, customers will find many popular items from local food producers. The list includes Argyle Cheese Farmer, King’s Dairy and Thomas Poultry in Northumberland, Valley Road Maple in Thurman, Strohmeyer pure honey in Argyle and Smith’s Orchard pies in Ballston Spa.
Products from Saratoga Olive Company and Saratoga Garlic are also available, along with bread from Gansevoort-based Whiskey Ridge Sourdough, which is expected to lease a small retail space from Monahan next to the meat market in the near future.
Monahan takes a great deal of personal pride in making sure each and every customer is satisfied.
“I’m always out front to meet people,” he said. “Response has been much better than expected.”