The quality of food products, including meats and prepared foods, at Arctic Foods on E. Washington Avenue (Route 57) has never been in doubt. Not only has the business served the Greater Washington community for nearly 68 years, it has drawn customers from near and far for its outstanding selection of food choices. Most recently, the business underwent a huge renovation project to its building that makes it stand out even more.  In recognition of this effort The Meat Shoppe By Arctic Foods will be honored in February with the Redevelopment Award by the Washington Business Improvement District.  

In addition to The Meat Shoppe By Arctic Foods being honored, Ellen Perkins of Gaia’s Gifts will be recognized as the WBID’s Business Person of the Year, Full Throttle Automotive and Cycle Repair as the Business of the Year, and photo journalist Cathy Miller as the WBID’s Community Partner.

The annual awards dinner will be held on Thursday Feb. 8 at Hawk Pointe Golf Club on Route 31 in Washington Township.

“What The Meat Shoppe By Arctic Foods has done with its new look is nothing short of incredible,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID. “The building certainly stands out as you drive past with its large glass windows that show off the retail store and event space on the second floor. Just a wonderful transformation. So excited for them to be getting this award.”

Arctic Foods has a long history in Washington. Arctic Foods’ original name was Zero Foods and opened its doors in 1956 by Ezio Rossi, who will be turning 94 years young this April. The original location was on the Boulevard but when the opportunity presented itself, the business was relocated to the former Coca Cola bottling plant in 1975 where it currently stands today at 251 East Washington Ave.

The business, which dramatically expanded over the years, is now run by Mark Rossi and Amanda Rossi-Logan. 

From the early beginnings Arctic Foods offered home delivery and had offices and sales staff in other states to keep up with the demand. In 2001 the Rossis remodeled and created their storefront filled with everything from meats to farm fresh eggs and produce, gourmet cheeses, sauces, breads and other specialty foods and ingredients.

As business grew, they wanted to enhance the customer experience and the building needed to match the level of service they were providing so a new renovation process began. In 2018 they added an addition to the processing portion of the business and in 2020 started the renovation on the store which was completed in the summer of 2021 as the Meat Shoppe By Arctic Foods. Not only does the Meat Shoppe offer an elevated shopping experience but there is an event space on the second level which will soon be available for gatherings such as cooking classes, birthday parties, bridal showers and more.

To say that The Meat Shoppe By Arctic Foods is committed to Washington is an understatement. To say that they deserve the Redevelopment Award is also an understatement. 

“Hands down, there was no argument as to which business deserved this honor this year,” said Thiel. “It was unanimous!”

The WBID’s Awards Dinner is open to the public and includes live music by the Chris Bolger Trio. For discounted advance ticket information, visit www.washingtonbid.org or call 908-689-4800.