Shifting Traditions: East Tennessee Butcher Sees Growing Demand for Red Meat Over Turkey This Thanksgiving
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Thanksgiving in East Tennessee is taking a turn this year. While turkey has long been the centerpiece of holiday dinners, Simpson’s Meats, a well-known butcher shop in Knoxville, has observed a surprising shift in customer preferences.
Despite turkey prices dropping, more and more shoppers are opting for red meat—particularly steaks and roasts—over the traditional bird.
Elijah Jackson, a butcher at Simpson’s, shared why the shop made changes to its turkey offerings. “We wanted to bring in a product we trust, based on the quality of chicken we already provide,” Jackson explained.
While turkey still holds a place on many holiday tables, Jackson and his co-worker, Sam Bruce, have noticed a subtle shift in customer choices. It seems that the demand for turkey is being met with a growing interest in red meats, and customers are rethinking their holiday menus.
A Growing Taste for Red Meat
Although turkey is still in demand, the appeal of red meats like steaks and roasts is rising. Jackson confirmed this shift, saying, “The demand for it is still there, especially what we’ve seen for it the past couple of weeks.”
However, Bruce pointed out that many customers are turning to easier alternatives for their Thanksgiving spreads. “It’s a lot easier to feed five or ten people with steaks or a whole roast compared to a whole turkey,” he said.
Interestingly, this trend doesn’t seem to be driven by a jump in prices. While it’s true that turkey prices have dropped, the rising preference for red meat seems more rooted in convenience and taste.
Bruce believes that a roast or steak simply offers more flexibility and less hassle than cooking a large turkey.
The New Holiday Tradition?
Simpson’s Meats isn’t the only place noticing this change. More families are experimenting with alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, opting for red meat dishes that feel just as festive.
Whether it’s a hearty steak or a perfectly roasted piece of beef, the shift reflects broader trends in holiday dining. For some, the change feels like a natural evolution, as tastes and traditions evolve with time.
As we move into the holiday season, it seems the idea of what’s “traditional” may be up for reinterpretation.
One thing’s clear: East Tennesseans are embracing new ways to celebrate, with red meats now taking center stage at the Thanksgiving table.
Want to explore the rising trend of red meat at holiday meals? Visit our homepage for more tips and tasty alternatives to the traditional turkey dinner.
