Raising the Steaks with Champs Meat Market - The Bend Magazine

Raising the Steaks with Champs Meat Market

How two Texas cattle ranchers are bringing premium beef and more to the Coastal Bend with Champs Meat Market.

two Texas cattle ranchers bring premium beef to the Coastal Bend with Champs Meet Market

Whether it’s for a cookoff or a casual dinner, few things are more important to South Texas traditions than gathering around the grill. Champs Meat Market Owners Christian Ockels and Jason Peeler know that better than most. That’s because they’ve been raising cattle for decades, and bringing fresh, quality meats to South Texas and now to the Corpus Christi area through Champs since September 2021.

We sat down to talk about why Champs is a cut above other meat markets, and how South Texans will soon have even more opportunities to try Champs out.

Christian Ockels (left) and Jason Peeler (right) in the original Champs Meat Market store.
Christian Ockels (left) and Jason Peeler (right) in the original Champs Meat Market store.

Born for the Business

“When it comes to preparing the most flavorful beef, the process starts long before the grill,” said Ockels. “When all the details are right, you can really taste it.”

It’s that thoughtfulness that’s been part of every step of Champs’ journey—and it’s the reason why Ockels and Peeler wanted to make Champs Meat Market a reality. With generations of shared family ranching history, the duo is well-versed in raising premium cattle for tastier cuts, every time.

New York Strip steak from Champs Meat Market
New York Strip steak from Champs Meat Market

A Better Product and Process

“We always knew our beef was delicious,” said Peeler. “The question became: How do we get the freshest possible product to customers?”

“It’s simple, but it’s not easy. We do it the right way from the pasture to your plate,” said Peeler. “The entire process is optimized for flavor—from cattle genetics, feeding and handling practices to harvesting and processing at our South Texas facility. That’s why we have a consistent and premium product that won’t be found anywhere else,” said Peeler.

Every aspect is cultivated and honed into a delicious science. And it’s no surprise: Dean & Peeler has provided premium Angus cuts to Austin and San Antonio restaurants and beyond. And at Peeler Farms—Jason and his wife Marianna have been producing high-quality Wagyu beef (yes, in Texas!) since 2014.

Fajita Pinwheels from Champs Meat Market
Fajita Pinwheels from Champs Meat Market

A Go-To for Grilling

“Our grab-and-go meats put us on the map, but it’s the combination of our other offerings that keep our customers coming back,” said Ockels. “We offer cuts you won’t find anywhere else, and our friendly staff knows the product inside and out—from the background of each breed to the best way to prepare any cut of meat,” said Ockels.

In addition to beef, Champs provides its own premium Berkshire pork and locally sources a broad selection of other meats such as lamb, poultry, cabrito and Gulf seafood through partners like Philly Seafood out of Palacios, TX. Champs also offers house-prepared and semi-prepared foods like sausages, fajita pinwheels, pre-marinated fajitas and a new selection of chef-inspired side dishes that might just rival home-cooked.

“We wanted Champs to be a candy store for grilling,” said Ockels. “You might walk in for some steaks, but then see a local beer you’ve been wanting to try. Or a new spice rub to use in your next recipe. It’s all here.”

Local beer, spice rubs and more also available at Champs Meat Market
Local beer, spice rubs and more also available at Champs Meat Market

More Ways to Shop Champs

Ready to try Champs today? Stop by the Calallen store on 15602 Northwest Blvd.

Soon, there will be even more ways to shop at Champs. A new store is opening at Star Plaza in Corpus Christi at Everhart & SPID, 4750 S. Padre Island Drive. This “mega-market” will be complete with grab-and-go meats, a butcher counter, multiple dry agers, prepared foods, walk-in beer cooler, a full selection of wines and so much more.