From left to right: Tom Elder, Isle of Wight County Economic Development Director, Jeb Bonnett, Jeb’s Market and William McCarty, Vice-Chairman, Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors.
Jeb Bonnett, owner/operator of Jeb’s Market, a local meat market, was named 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Isle of Wight County Department of Economic Development in conjunction with its annual Business Appreciation celebration.
Jeb, his daughter Lisa, and wife Chae, came to Carrollton to realize their dream of becoming a part of the proud meat heritage for which Southeastern Virginia is renowned. They opened the meat market in 2001 and are known as “The Butcher, the Baker and the Korean Food Maker.”
The Bonnett team cures and smokes meats, sausages and other food products. Many of these products have achieved the Virginia’s Finest® designation, including the Cherry Smoked Ham, Country Ham, Cottage Bacon, Smoked Sausages, Beef Jerky, Beef and Pork Bulgogi, and most recently two out of seven BBQ Sauces. The classic Virginia’s Finest® trademark identifies, differentiates and promotes top-quality Virginia agriculture and specialty food and beverage products. In September 2017, Bonnett attained USDA Grant of Inspection to produce products for wholesale.
Bonnett has been called a master of his craft by his customers and other local business owners. He is known for his top quality, fresh meats. Bonnett has a Facebook page, trademarked “Jeb the Butcher,” where he provides meat cutting demonstrations and other useful information to over 1,700 followers and the public for their enjoyment and education. “This humbling recognition will assist me in sharing some of my God-given talents with my fellow man,” said Bonnett.
Isle of Wight County Economic Development has been honoring a County business owner as Entrepreneur of the Year since 2005. Previous winners include: Chris Christou – The Cockeyed Rooster Café; Lee Duncan – Wharf Hill Brewing Company; Danny Hughes – The Hughes Agency; Travis Latimer – Travis’s Auto Repair; Mike Adams – Bon Vivant Wine & Brew; Kirk Ring – Ringo’s Donuts; Dr. Ryland Edwards – The Oaks Veterinary Clinic; Dee Dee Darden – Darden’s Country Store and Carol Jordan – Sesroh Tack Shoppe.
Jeb’s Market is located at 15668 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton VA. Call 757.238-2099, visit them on the web at www.jebsbbq.com or find them on Facebook. Hours: Mon. – Sat.: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sundays: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
