By Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF — Country Meat Center has earned three 2026 Best of Spartanburg honors, receiving top recognition for Best Grocery, Best Meat Market/Seafood Shop and Best Place to Work.
For owner Leslie Cash, the awards reflect not only the quality of the store’s products but also the loyalty of its employees, customers and the Woodruff community.
“The Country Meat Center has been so blessed and honored to receive Best of Spartanburg 2026,” Cash said. “This recognition means so much because we are a small business whose primary goal is to serve our community with the best quality and customer service.”
Cash said earning the Best Grocery award was especially meaningful because Country Meat Center competed against much larger businesses, including Publix and Ingles.
“To be nominated and then win categories against much larger businesses is something to be valued,” she said.
Country Meat Center opened in 2018, but Cash’s family has been serving the Woodruff community through local businesses for generations. The family’s business history includes Palmetto Vermiculite, Brown’s Market and the Do Drive Inn.
During its eight years in operation, Country Meat Center has worked to become more than a place to purchase groceries. Cash said the business has remained invested in Woodruff and has developed lasting relationships with the people it serves.
“Our customers have become members of our CMC family,” Cash said.
The locally owned market offers Certified Angus Beef cut by in-store butchers, fresh seafood, wild game, local produce, specialty products and a variety of grocery items. Its deli features a hot bar, Boar’s Head meats and fresh biscuits that have developed a loyal following.
Among the store’s most popular products are its Certified Angus Beef, whole-hog sausage, house-made bratwursts, local produce and fresh salmon. The business also supports other area companies by carrying cakes from The Sweetery in Anderson and fresh floral arrangements from The Flower Patch in Woodruff.
Cash believes Country Meat Center’s combination of quality products, personal service and community involvement has helped the business distinguish itself throughout Spartanburg County.
The Best Place to Work recognition also highlights the employees who contribute to the store’s welcoming atmosphere and customer service.
Cash said the three awards belong to everyone who has helped make Country Meat Center successful.
“I would like to thank every member of our CMC family, whether you are an employee at the Country Meat Center or one of our customers who has become family,” she said. “Thank you for always supporting us. We will continue to serve you with our best.”
