Greenville's Black Sheep Market opens in Spartanburg while eyeing Laurence and Anderson

Pat Cheatham is a force to deal with. When he heard that the owners of Brown’s Meat Market planned to close their Spartanburg shop after an eight-year run,  Cheatham saw an opportunity.

It didn’t take him long to make a move.

Business at his meat market was strong, and Cheatham was looking to expand into Spartanburg.

He decided to purchase Brown’s business on Union Street.

In 2021, he opened Black Sheep Market on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville.

Cheatham’s Spartanburg shop has been up and running for about a month now, and “the response has been good overall,” he said.

“We’re still trying to get the word out. Brown’s was known and trusted. People are feeling us out.”

You won’t find Wagyu beef, a Japanese brand known for its rich flavor and marbling.  It's an ultra-premium selection at Black Sheep Market. However, the locally owned Tate’s Meatworks specializes in high-end offerings at its shop on East Main Street.

Cheatham said he’s focused on serving customers’ budget-friendly everyday needs.

He offers fresh cuts of meat daily as well as packaged and frozen items. “I want to provide people with meat that’s affordable without sacrificing quality,” he said. “That’s what drives me.”

Cheatham said he worked out a gradual purchase agreement with Lance Brown, the owner of Brown's, that allows Black Sheep Market access to the 2,300-square-foot building and its store equipment.

In Greenville, Cheatham added a produce shop called Your Neighborhood Store, located in the same plaza as Black Sheep Market.

He doesn’t have immediate plans for selling produce in Spartanburg, but said that he may add a limited selection of vegetables and convenience items.

Expanding the business brings some challenges, and Cheatham said he’s been careful to implement “the same standard across all locations.”

So far, he’s been able to spend time at each location daily. He works alongside his staff on tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning equipment, and other basic duties.

“I’m not fancy,” Cheatham said. “I’m a basic guy from Taylors, South Carolina, who wants to provide people with affordable meat. That’s my mission.”

Black Sheep Market is located at 1457 Union St. For more information, please call (864) 308-1134