Small Town News

New Belcourt business now open

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Turtle Mountain Meat Market opened its doors for business over two weeks ago and sales are very brisk so far, management recently stated.

Bernie Belgarde, who manages the store for his wife and owner Mica Belgarde, says that business has been great in large part because of his reputation as a meat cutter and specialist.

"People are telling me that they're glad I'm back in the Belcourt community and that they really like the service and prices are reasonable," Belgarde said. "I would like people who enjoy fresh meat to check us out. I promise that they won't be disappointed."

The Belgardes have placed a public grill outside the business that customers can utilize after they purchase their steaks and other grilling meats.

"You can cook it right outside our store; we have the grill and picnic tables for anyone to use. The meat can be cooked right off the cutting blade or knife. You don't get any fresher than that," Belgarde claimed. "We do any kind of specialty cuts that a customer wants. All they have to do is call ahead to make sure we have that kind of cut."

"Speciality cuts" are any kind of meat that can be put on the grill, such as t-bones, rib-eyes and barbecue-style ribs." Belgarde explained. The meat sold at Turtle Mountain Meat Market comes from a Minnesota meat supply company that is USDA inspected and approved, Belgarde noted. The Belcourt meat store also sells a variety of snacks, breads, express sandwiches, frozen pizza, and other convenience store items.

The business was awarded a Pathways to Prosperity beautification project grant in the amount of $20,000. Under the terms of the grant, the business is required to have an awning, storybook pole and a nice aesthetic store front. That storefront will be upgraded with brick siding in the future.

There are eight employees at the business, including the Belgardes' and their daughter, Elizabeth. According to Bernie Belgarde, one of the store's most energetic workers is a 10-year old boy named Izaiah, who eagerly volunteers his time at the store. He is the youngest child of the Belgardes who will one day take over for his father.

Turtle Mountain Java is another fine product that is sold at the newest store in Belcourt. There is a coffee shop in a corner of the business where people can enjoy a hot cup of freshly-ground coffee. The gourmet coffee is roasted on-site, adding to the goal of freshly-made items at the store.

"We're one of only two Native-owned businesses that roast their own coffees in the store. So our trademark in all areas of our store will be fresh products, with friendly and quality service," remarked Belgarde.

The former owners of St. John Grocery sold that store recently to concentrate on their new business venture in Belcourt. The Belgardes sold the St. John business to another young couple, Mike Charette and Jodi Prouty, who took over ownership and management of the grocery store in St. John on May 1.

The store hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The telephone number of Turtle Mountain Meat Market is 477-3480.



Copyright 2010 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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