.
In an industry where longevity is increasingly rare, Standard Meat Company (SMC) stands as a remarkable exception as it celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025. What began as a regional meat supplier in 1935 has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation in the protein processing world, all while remaining family-owned and operated. This milestone year for SMC isn't just about looking back—it's marked by bold expansion, a renewed focus on purpose-driven culture, and a vision for growth that positions this legacy company as what its leaders call a "90-year-old startup."
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
The story of Standard Meat Company begins with founder Ben H. Rosenthal, who established the business during the challenging economic climate of 1935. From humble beginnings, the company has weathered significant transitions, including near-bankruptcy experiences, ownership changes, and strategic buybacks that ultimately strengthened the family's control of the business.
Today, under fourth-generation leadership, SMC operates as a global innovator for foodservice and retail, specializing in portion control, value-added protein processing, and pioneering cooking technologies that have revolutionized how restaurants and retailers approach protein preparation.
"What makes our 90-year journey unique is that we've never stopped evolving," says Ben Rosenthal, co-president of SMC. "Each generation has faced its own challenges and market shifts, but our willingness to adapt while staying true to our foundational values has been our greatest strength."
Fourth-Generation Leadership Driving Transformative Growth
Since taking the helm in 2019, fourth-generation co-presidents Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld have propelled SMC into its most ambitious expansion phase yet. Their leadership has been marked by remarkable achievements:
- Expansion from two facilities to five, including the newest Fort Worth plant
- Introduction of cutting-edge processing technologies, including sous vide and advanced searing capabilities
- Nearly doubled sales revenue since 2019
- Recognition with the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year® award
This growth hasn't come from simply scaling existing operations but through strategic diversification into ready-to-eat products and collaborations with both legacy foodservice partners and emerging market segments.
"We honor our past by not being bound by it," explains Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld. "Every generation has reimagined what Standard Meat could be, and we're fortunate to be leading during a time of unprecedented opportunity in food innovation."
Purpose-Driven Culture: The Foundation for Future Success
Perhaps the most significant transformation under the current leadership is the company's deliberate focus on purpose-driven culture. SMC recently launched a dedicated Culture & Strategy Department with a clear mandate: to embed the company's purpose statement—"to inspire the connections and breakthroughs that ultimately feed our life"—into every level of the organization.
This initiative goes beyond typical corporate culture programs. It's designed to:
- Align decision-making across all departments with the core purpose
- Develop leadership capabilities throughout the organization
- Strengthen internal connections that drive external customer breakthroughs
- Create a workplace where 1,100+ employees feel personally invested in the company's mission
"A company doesn't reach 90 years without prioritizing its people," says Rosenthal. "Our purpose statement isn't just words on a wall—it's a guiding philosophy that influences everything from how we develop new products to how we structure our teams."
Industry analysts note that SMC's approach to culture stands out in the food manufacturing sector, where workforce challenges have become increasingly complex in recent years. By investing in purpose and culture during a period of rapid growth, SMC positions itself to attract and retain talent while maintaining operational excellence—a critical competitive advantage.
The New Fort Worth Facility: A Showcase of Technology and Vision
The centerpiece of SMC's 90th anniversary celebration is the grand opening of its new Fort Worth facility, scheduled for September 17, 2025. At 180,000 square feet, this technologically advanced plant near the historic Fort Worth Stockyards represents the company's largest single investment in its history.
The facility features:
- State-of-the-art sous vide production capabilities
- Advanced searing technologies
- Precision portioning systems
- Integrated meal-kit packaging solutions
- Enhanced food safety protocols that exceed industry standards
"This facility isn't just about increased capacity—it's about capabilities that open entirely new product categories for our partners," explains Blumenfeld. "The technologies we've incorporated allow us to develop solutions that weren't possible even five years ago."
The strategic location near the Fort Worth Stockyards also connects the company's future with the region's rich agricultural heritage. This symbolism isn't lost on the leadership team, who view the facility as bridging SMC's 90-year legacy with its future ambitions.
A "90-Year-Old Startup": The Bold Vision for Future Growth
Perhaps most intriguing about SMC's approach to its 90th anniversary is how the company positions itself as a "90-year-old startup." This seemingly contradictory identity captures the essence of how SMC balances respected industry experience with entrepreneurial agility.
"We have the stability and knowledge that comes with nine decades of operation, combined with the hunger and adaptability of a startup," says Rosenthal. "That combination is powerful in an industry that's experiencing rapid transformation."
This mindset has translated into concrete growth strategies:
- Continued investment in production capacity expansion
- Development of proprietary processing technologies
- Strategic partnerships with culinary innovators
- Exploration of new protein categories and alternative proteins
- Commitment to sustainability initiatives that align with evolving consumer values
Industry experts note that SMC's approach offers valuable lessons for other legacy food companies facing disruption. By embracing change while leveraging deep industry knowledge, companies can transform potential threats into strategic advantages.
Impact Beyond Business: Community and Sustainability Commitments
As part of the 90th anniversary celebration, SMC has also renewed its commitment to community engagement and sustainability practices. The company's approach includes:
- Partnerships with local culinary education programs
- Enhanced environmental initiatives focused on water conservation and waste reduction
- Mentorship programs connecting industry veterans with emerging food entrepreneurs
- Charitable giving focused on food security in communities where SMC operates
"Success over 90 years isn't just measured in business metrics," notes Blumenfeld. "It's also about the positive impact we've had on communities, employees, and the broader food ecosystem. That's the legacy we're most proud of and the one we're committed to building upon."
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As Standard Meat Company celebrates this significant milestone, the leadership team emphasizes that this anniversary isn't merely a retrospective celebration but a launching point for the company's next evolution.
"Ninety years is an achievement worth celebrating, but we're far more excited about what the next decade holds," says Rosenthal. "The food industry is at an inflection point with technology, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation."
With its new facility, purpose-driven culture, and entrepreneurial mindset, Standard Meat Company exemplifies how legacy food businesses can remain relevant and thrive amid industry transformation. By honoring its past while boldly embracing the future, SMC has positioned itself not just as a survivor but as a leader in shaping protein innovation for generations to come.
For food and beverage professionals watching this space, SMC's journey offers valuable insights into balancing tradition with innovation—a delicate equilibrium that more companies will need to master as the pace of industry change accelerates.
To learn more about evolving trends in the food industry, check out our articles on how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing demand forecasting and the future of restaurants and essential tech strategies.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
