In 1999 Geoffrey Irwin brought Shields Meat Market Inc. to Emory Village from its previous location in Decatur, where the market had been since 1947.

Most Emory students have no idea that buried deep inside CVS, there is a market that sells most of the tasty essentials students are often looking for. Not only does the market stock any kind of meat one might desire, but they also sell pasta, fine cheese, wine, crackers, cookies and an array of produce.

How can it be that such a gem goes unnoticed by most Emory students? Valued employee of four years Dale McIntyre, when asked this question by the Wheel, shrugged his shoulders.
“We’re the best kept secret,” he said.

McIntyre explained that according to Atlanta Magazine, Shields Meat Market was voted best butcher in Atlanta, but college students don’t have the money to purchase a hundred dollars worth of steak.

Not only is the meat market convenient, seeing as most students frequent CVS regularly, but it also carries only fresh, natural products.

“Everything is as fresh as can be,” said McIntyre. “No additives or hormones. Everything is all natural.”

According to McIntyre, the market used to serve prepared sandwiches when Emory students would stop by for lunch.

But now with Dave’s Cosmic Subs right across the street, Shields recommends Dave’s to anyone who asks.

“We’re good buddies with Dave’s,” said McIntyre. “We’re two small businesses trying to survive.”

I imagine that it won’t be long before Emory students rediscover the Shield’s Meat Market and its easy accessibility and wide variety of eating options.

“We’ve got everything short of endangered species,” said McIntyre.

— Contact Arianna Skibell.