Consumer Concerns Grow Over Kenston Farms Ribeye Steak Deals

Pelham, August 1, 2025

News Summary

Recent discussions in Pelham surrounding Kenston Farms highlight significant consumer concerns regarding the quality of their ribeye steaks sold at pop-up events. Customers have raised red flags about unappetizing meat appearances and customer service issues. With a low rating of 1.2 stars and a troubling ‘F’ rating from the Better Business Bureau, consumers are advised to consider local butchers for safer alternatives. Experts caution against unregulated sales tactics that may mislead customers during these sales events.

Consumer Concerns Grow Over Kenston Farms Ribeye Steak Deals in Pelham

Pelham has recently been buzzing with discussions surrounding Kenston Farms, a meat wholesaler making waves through its enticing pop-up events. The company claims to offer 20 premium ribeyes for just $39, a price that can certainly catch anyone’s attention. As Kenston sets up shop in parking lots from auto part stores to tractor supply outlets across the country, many shoppers seize the opportunity for a bargain.

Customer Feedback Raises Red Flags

However, social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit have turned into platforms for escalating complaints and concerns regarding the quality of the meat and customer service associated with these purchases. One customer from Florida voiced her disappointment after spending over $400. She described her ribeye steaks as having an unappetizing appearance, even stating that the meat looked gray and unappealing. This kind of feedback has sparked broader scrutiny of Kenston Farms.

Ratings Tell a Troubling Story

Currently, Kenston Farms holds a 1.2-star rating from customers and has received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting numerous unresolved complaints. Many customers have reported discrepancies between what they signed up for and what was charged on their credit cards, suggesting that transaction amounts may have been altered.

Moreover, numerous reviewers have highlighted significant difficulties in reaching out to Kenston Farms for refunds or even just to voice their concerns after the purchase. This is proving to be a frustrating experience for consumers who felt misled.

Lack of USDA Oversight

Adding to the skepticism surrounding Kenston Farms is the fact that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not graded their meat. The term “premium” is not recognized as a formal classification by the USDA, raising questions about what buyers are actually getting. Some customers have even alleged that their ribeyes contain fillers such as water, rice starch, and other additives, further diminishing their value.

Expert Opinions on Quality

A Certified Executive Chef has expressed his concerns, labeling the meat as “mystery meat” and lamenting the potential quality issues stemming from the lack of certification. As Kenston Farms expands its reach into multiple states, with advertising in regions including Connecticut, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oklahoma, the stakes for consumer trust only appear to escalate.

Sales Tactics Under Scrutiny

Many shoppers have also reported feeling pressured to purchase larger bundles during sales, likening the experience to the tactics used at a carnival to entice people to spend more. As food prices continue to rise due to inflation, these types of aggressive sales tactics raise alarm regarding the safety and quality of your average shopping experience.

Shifting Towards Safer Buying Practices

With concerns about the lack of refunds and customer support resonating low with consumers, many experts now recommend opting for local butchers or certified vendors instead of unregulated pop-up events. This not only ensures a higher quality of meat but also greater safety for consumers.

Quality of Products Not Meeting Expectations

Countless customers have described Kenston Farms’ steaks as lacking in quality, likening them to sandwich meat rather than the premium ribeyes advertised. These issues have led to widespread dissatisfaction among buyers, with health concerns about the potential risks of mechanically tenderized meats also surfacing. It’s essential for consumers to cook such meats thoroughly to avoid any health risks.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Alabama Company Selling Steak in Auto Part Parking Lots Raises Concerns
• Moneywise: Very Gross Looking Florida Street Meat Sparks Investigation
• AOL: Americans Buying Cheap Street Meat
• WCPO: We Put 2 Parking Lot Steaks to the Test
• Wikipedia: Food Safety

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.