The Original Meat
Julia Roach, owner of The Original Meat, offers high-quality items for people wanting to incorporate plant-based foods into their diets. Their pop-up season runs May – September in Shed 5, Detroit Eastern Market. During the winter months you can order frozen pre-packaged food from this website with local pickup options. Place an order at theoriginalmeat.com
Why and how did you decide to start a food business?
I decided to become a vegetarian in my teenage years when vegetarianism was not widely popular. At that time I started trying to make my favorite (animal) meat dishes vegetarian. Back then, commercially available faux meats were a rare commodity and I was frustrated with not having any good options at the grocery store or when dining at restaurants. I started creating meat substitutes for myself and the other vegetarians in my family to enjoy, not to try and mimic the taste and texture of meat but instead to provide a nutritious, protein-packed alternative to be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Over the years my experimentation with foods and flavors has grown and due to the encouragement of my family and friends, I started a vegan vegetarian (plant-based) food business.
I am a Christian who believes that the Bible is God’s roadmap for living a healthy and happy life. While reading the Bible, I discovered that grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables comprise the original diet God chose for us, one that is both healthy and nourishing.
“Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, … and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29 (KJV).
For this reason, I felt that God wanted me to start my business, The Original Meat, to help and encourage people to consume a plant-based diet, the original meat given by God to mankind. IN doing so, it helps people to be healthier and happier.
How long have you been in business?
Three years.
The OMG (Original Meat Gyro) which is a plant-based meat alternative made from wheat protein.
How has owning a business changed now from when you first got started?
I started to build my business in 2018 but when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I stepped back to help support her. It was a time in my life that helped me see more clearly what matters most which, for me, is my faith in and obedience to God and my family. After a grueling few years, she was declared cancer-free, and in the spring of 2022, I obtained my food license and began selling foods primarily on my website and at local farmer’s markets. It was a lot of hard work, experimenting with what worked and did not work very well, and learning day-by-day. In the spring of 2023, I moved to the Eastern Market Community Kitchen which was one of the best choices I have made. The resources and opportunities that have been available to me as a result of that move have been numerous and they have helped my business grow in ways that I did not anticipate. At this point, my operations have become more streamlined and predictable which was not the case originally. I continue to sell products on my website and at local farmers markets and food shows.
Can you please tell us about your signature items?
Our signature item is The OMG (Original Meat Gyro) which is a plant-based meat alternative made from wheat protein. It is our most popular and versatile product and can be enjoyed hot or cold in a variety of ways such as on sandwiches, wraps, pizza, cheesesteaks, chili, spaghetti and much more. At food shows we serve it on flatbread with an assortment of veggies and sauce. It seems to appeal to vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Another customer favorite is our Oatrageous Veggie Burger which is a savory blend of veggies, nuts, sunflower seeds, wild rice and oats. At food shows we serve it burger style with all the fixings but it is also good as a main dinner entree with gravy accompanied by side dishes like potatoes, salads and vegetables.
Do you have advice for future food business entrepreneurs?
The process of starting a food business is easier than it may seem at first so do not get discouraged by all of the steps and requirements. If someone has been thinking about doing it for a while but the fear of the unknown is keeping them from moving forward, the best advice I can offer is to just take the first step forward.
You can find The Original Meat at Shed 5 in Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan.
Web: https://theoriginalmeat.com
IG: theorigmeat
FB: theoriginalmeat
Photos by Chuk Nowak https://www.chuknowak.com