Awful BBrib selection at Sam's & Costco -Sacramento Area

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deltadude

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
Jun 3, 2008
1,529
37
Sacramento Area
I have to do some BB ribs for Sunday, and was really disappointed at Sam's C. the price was almost $3.00 and the quality was really off. Labeled "Loin Back" all the cyropak had 1 ok rack and the other two were just not good.

What was bad:
- the size, the tapered small end the ribs are tiny, only about 11/2", I have seen them small but not that small, of course the other end was proportionally small.
- Fat or marbling, all the ribs had hardly any fat or marbling.
- Rib curvature, normally the BBribs I have purchased either from Sams or Costco, the ribs are fairly curved, these were almost flat like spares. I don't know if that means anything, or if they were cut on a different spot, not sure if good or bad.
- Of course cost.

On the cost issue, I decided I would go to Costco, they are about a mile apart. Exactly the same problem, it was as if they bought they're ribs from the same packer however the label brand was different. Worse the cost was almost 40cents higher. Back to Sams....

Finally since Walmart is next to Costco, I check there, the price was outrageous, enough said.

I guess I don't have Ronp's magic I can find a deal touch. If it hadn't been so late in the day, I would have made a run to the meat/butcher mart, more expensive but quality is always great.

Any how, they are rubbed, wrapped, in the fridge, getting ready for some sweet smoke.
 
Typically I have the same issues here in St Peters. What I did to combat this was to find a local butcher (Valenti's) and explained to them my problems and they decided the best way to help me was to sell me their stuff at prices no-one else could compete with (except the SAFB Commissary) if I would help spread the word about Valenti's and make sure I come to him for my smoking needs. Been a great deal for the both of us.
 
Not a bad idea, our local meat mart, the guys are pretty decent, that quality is always good. They even opened up for me on a Sat. holiday ( I had prepaid for a New York Strip Loin that I had to cook the next day.) Next time I need 10 or more racks of ribs I will try what you suggest.
 
I bought baby backs at Sam's Club two days ago and smoked them yesterday. They were AWESOME quality ribs and nothing like what you described. Must just be your stores shipment was off. Weird.
 
Thats too bad. I usually have great luck at Sams club with BB's. That is my go to spot. They have those packs of three and they have nice curvy bones and LOTS of meat on them. My buddy even commented last time he brought BB's that mine were very meaty. Maybe they went with a different brand or they got a bad batch?? Who knows. Hopefully they don't keep that standard forever.
 
We have a restaurant supply store that's only 15 minutes from home, and they have quality, and quantity as far as their meat section, and if they don't have what I need I put in an order and it is usually there in a day or two, if you have one of those around you, try checking them out, i also get all my dry spices here, it's like $5 for a large container
 
Too bad you couldn't find anything better. Remember, Sam's has a 200% guarantee. Take them back and let them find some for you and get 2 x what you bought.
icon_wink.gif
 
Ive had the same problem about 3 hours north of you in Reno. Kinda makes your mad.

Isnt there a restaurant Depo in Sac? I hear they have good product.
 
What is the 200% guarantee on, quality or price?

It won't help now though they are in the smoker....
 
Quality, satisfaction.
 
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