[Sensei]

I went to the Fresh Market in the Villages, Florida to redeem the $20 gift
card I was provided to compensate for finding bone-in New York Strips being
sold as Porterhouse steaks a few weeks ago. Today...it was the same!!! I watched a man in
the cutting room put steaks on the tray and place it in the display case.
Each and every one of the steaks was a bone-in New York Strip. When I
objected, the older man behind the counter said they were porterhouse. I
said I wanted porterhouse...he was most disagreeable, but did finally go
into the cooler and tell the man with the long bushy sideburns to cut me
some porterhouse steaks. The man took another cryovac of short loin,
opened it and cut me steaks. I spoke with the meat manager who seemed
irritated that I raised the issue and said he would change the sign.
Another fellow beside him said it was his fault and that the steaks were
T-bones which are actually better. The sign, I told him did not say "
T-bone". When I went back later the tray was empty.
I spoke with the store manager, Jeff who said perhaps the product was not
delivered and he wasn't sure what the difference was and wasn't sure what
they were selling, but he would go to the corporate book to see. After we
talked, he walked to the produce section and continued to break down
boxes.
I took photos of the case and the signs that I saw today.
This is the second incident I have found. Perhaps the store is taking the
fillet from the steaks to sell at a higher price to increase profit.
Regardless, it is clear that the fraudulent practice continues.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Sensei

I went to the Fresh Market in the Villages, Florida to redeem the $20 gift
card I was provided to compensate for finding bone-in New York Strips being
sold as Porterhouse steaks a few weeks ago. Today...it was the same!!! I watched a man in
the cutting room put steaks on the tray and place it in the display case.
Each and every one of the steaks was a bone-in New York Strip. When I
objected, the older man behind the counter said they were porterhouse. I
said I wanted porterhouse...he was most disagreeable, but did finally go
into the cooler and tell the man with the long bushy sideburns to cut me
some porterhouse steaks. The man took another cryovac of short loin,
opened it and cut me steaks. I spoke with the meat manager who seemed
irritated that I raised the issue and said he would change the sign.
Another fellow beside him said it was his fault and that the steaks were
T-bones which are actually better. The sign, I told him did not say "
T-bone". When I went back later the tray was empty.
I spoke with the store manager, Jeff who said perhaps the product was not
delivered and he wasn't sure what the difference was and wasn't sure what
they were selling, but he would go to the corporate book to see. After we
talked, he walked to the produce section and continued to break down
boxes.
I took photos of the case and the signs that I saw today.
This is the second incident I have found. Perhaps the store is taking the
fillet from the steaks to sell at a higher price to increase profit.
Regardless, it is clear that the fraudulent practice continues.

You must be the Meat Police and I believe this is the first post complaining about Fresh Market, a store we love.

[dnobles]

I've had mistake made at the meat counter too

[Sensei]

This was not a "mistake". It was done on at least two occasions: Nov. 8 and Dec. 7 2016. USDA regulations "Item No. 1173 - Beef Loin, Porterhouse Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS short loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin shall be at least 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) when measured parallel to the length of the back bone. Item No. 1174 - Beef Loin, T- Bone Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS short loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin shall be at least ½-inch (13 mm) when measured parallel to the length of the back bone

No fillet was present on any of the cuts displayed on the special $9.99/lb. tray

[Sensei]

see attached photo

[westcoast]

I don't know what to make of your complaint. I does seem you are very particular on your meat cuts. Fresh market is one of my favorites and I have not had an experience
like yours. It might be best for your sake to find another market.

[Bonny]

If you know meat so well, just look in the meat case & buy the cut of meat you want. Problem solved.

[Sensei]

No........if you went to a store to purchase diamonds and were sold glass it would be a form of stealing. It's not a matter of store loyalty. It's a matter of honesty. An inferior, less valuable product is sold as if it were a higher grade. It's a form of stealing. Merely going to a different store ignores the matter rather than seeking a resolution which benefits all parties.

[bimmertl]

I have noticed the same problem on a regular basis. I have seen steaks they allege as Porterhouse with no tenderloin portion at all on the steak. Others with minimal tenderloin which would barely qualify as T bones.

It appears they rely on the lack of knowledge of some customers and if they don't ask for a specific steak in the counter, they'll just pass off one of the "alleged" porterhouse steaks and charge the premium price.

Bonny has the correct answer, but for those not knowledgable they are getting ripped off and that's the point of the OP.

[Sensei]

These public discussions help to inform the unsuspecting to help avoid being victims of those less ethical.

[mulligan]

How about a lawsuit ?? You may be able to force them to close.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by mulligan

How about a lawsuit ?? You may be able to force them to close.

[billybye]

Publix does the same thing all the time. When I questioned them they said it was all the same???? I think they were trying to build the store's profit for a better yearly bonus.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

At Fresh Market, the amount charged for meat at the register was higher than the marked price at the meat counter on three separate visits. I always double check that when I shop there.

[Ecuadog]

I believe that false or deceptive advertising is illegal.