BENNETTSVILLE — A century of tradition, community support, and quality service was celebrated Monday as District 54 State Representative Jason Luck recognized Breeden’s Quality Meats for reaching its 100th year in business. During a special presentation, Luck honored the longtime Bennettsville staple, located at 133 Broad Street, with a framed certificate commemorating the milestone.
The celebration of Breeden’s historic achievement will continue on Saturday, October 10, with a community event featuring food vendors, local DJ Joe “DJ Jazzy Joe” Rodgers, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. While the store will maintain its regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 10, festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to co-owner Cindy Stone, one highlight of the celebration will be a Breeden’s history trivia contest. Clues will be posted on the company’s Facebook page during the two weeks leading to the event. Participants who correctly answer all the trivia questions will be entered to win a $100 gift card.
Breeden’s has changed hands four times throughout its century-long history, but Cindy and Cam Stone have owned the business longer than any of the previous owners.
Reflecting on the company’s longevity, Cindy Stone credited the community for helping the business thrive.
“Looking around and seeing so many other small-town businesses fall over the years, we feel so blessed to have the community support and backing that we do. This really isn’t a job anymore, it just feels like I am helping family. We have customers from all over the county and the surrounding area— I love when out of towners tell me where they are from because it’s nice to see our reach. There have been four owners before us, but Cam and I have owned Breeden’s the longest,” Cindy said.
She credits recent food safety concerns and trends for why business has been booming of late.
Cindy explains, “I think one thing that has been helpful for us is people’s return to really wanting to know who is preparing their food and where their meat comes from. In many places the skill has become a dying art, but our customers are loyal and keep us thriving.”
Co-owner Cam Stone said he believes Breeden’s success has come from adapting to change while remaining focused on quality and customer service.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to be blessed with the kind of sustainability and support we have experienced as a business in Bennettsville. We have been blessed to evolve with the times and stay competitive in a difficult market. We are always looking for new quality products we can offer. We keep our focus on moving ahead and showing up every day with a positive mindset and attitude, no matter how the day is going. I think all that makes for a pretty successful recipe.”
During Monday’s presentation, Representative Jason Luck emphasized the importance of supporting family-owned businesses and preserving community institutions.
“I’ve been happy to say that for many years I’ve been a loyal customer of Breeden’s. There’s been generations of others… generations of other customers. I know there’ll be another 100 years, other generations to come here,” said Luck, before continuing, “It’s a wonderful thing to do in this job, to be able to recognize people that have given so much to the community. I just look forward to seeing more of you as we go forward.”
Luck also stressed Breeden’s impact beyond Marlboro County.
“It is very important to have a generational business like Breeden’s in any small town, and it is important for the community to keep supporting them. I know I can go anywhere in this state and mention Breeden’s Quality Meats, and everyone knows where I’m talking about. I have dear friends in Charleston who love their spicy sausage.”
Bennettsville Mayor Tyron Abraham shared personal memories of visiting the business with his grandmother and praised Breeden’s as a cornerstone of the community.
“It brings back memories of when I first walked through the door as a young man, I’ve been in love, coming in with my grandma. And just the friendly faces that I get now when I walk in. And it just means so much to our city and our Main Street,” the mayor said, adding, “And I just want to say congratulations and thank you so much to Breeden’s for all they do serving our community. I have so many memories of being here as a little fella with my grandmother and it means so much to me now to be able to be a part of this piece of Bennettsville history.”
Mayor Abraham said Breeden’s enduring success reflects both the business’s reputation and its importance to the local economy.
“Breeden’s is a true treasure to this community, and I look forward to shopping here for years to come. Having a business, like Breeden’s who has this level of generational success is a testament to other up and coming businesses here in Bennettsville. So many people from out of town know Breeden’s. All I have to do is mention Breeden’s and someone has been or knows someone who has— Breeden’s keeps Bennettsville on the map.”
As Breeden’s Quality Meats marks its 100th anniversary, community leaders, loyal customers, and the Stone family all point to the same ingredient behind its success: a strong commitment to quality service and deep roots in the community. With a century of history behind it and continued local support, the business is poised to continue serving generations to come. Be sure to come out and celebrate this local gem Saturday, October 10!