Darryl Babey entered the butchering business in 2024 with a shop on Highway 11 between Lumsden and Bethune. Within two years, his venture, Babco Meats, has expanded to four locations, including its first in Saskatoon.
Rapid Expansion
Babey, who began farming near Lumsden about 25 years ago, opened his first butcher shop in April 2024. The business was so successful that he quickly added a second location in Regina, followed by a third in Saskatoon's Rosewood area in December 2025. The fourth location opened in Emerald Park in March 2026.
From Farm to Table
Babey operates a cow and calf operation with about 200 head. His farm is adjacent to the original butcher shop. Three years ago, he faced a decision: sell the farm or start a butcher shop. After consulting with the owner of Jerky Boys Meats, he proceeded. He hired the owner and all his staff, opening with six employees. The shop can process about 25 head of cattle per week, focusing on custom slaughter.
Despite skeptics who doubted a highway butcher shop would attract customers, Babey's store was an instant success. The initial 6,500-square-foot building expanded by an additional 4,500 square feet within months.
Product Offerings
Babco Meats emphasizes high-quality beef, aiming to replicate the traditional butcher shop experience. They source local beef and supplement with AAA or prime beef from wholesalers. The shop produces about 3,000 pounds of beef jerky weekly, along with sausages and hamburgers. They also offer fresh pork from a Hutterite colony near Swift Current, making their own bacon, ham, and smoked pork chops.
Saskatoon Location
The Saskatoon store, located near the new Costco, opened in December 2025. Babey noted that the Regina location's instant popularity prompted the move to a high-traffic area in Saskatoon. Despite opening during winter months, the store has seen strong customer traffic, marking another success for the growing business.
