Traverse City Butcher Prepares for Easter Rush as Beef Prices, Tariffs Reshape Holiday Menus

Local meat market with century-old roots stocks up for Easter while beef industry faces supply squeeze

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph of a premium, polished ham with a rich, glossy glaze resting on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the importance of quality and craftsmanship in the meat industry despite supply chain pressures.A premium, artisanal ham takes center stage as a Traverse City butcher navigates supply chain challenges to serve his community this Easter.Traverse City Today

As Easter approaches, Mark Wilson, owner of The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer in Traverse City, Michigan, is preparing for the holiday rush. While ham remains the centerpiece of most Easter tables, Wilson's shop also does brisk business in beef products like Delmonico roasts and beef tenderloins. However, the beef side of the business is feeling the squeeze, with cattle farmers putting less quality product on the market and tariffs adding an additional layer of complexity.

Why it matters

The rising prices of beef, driven by tightening supply and increased tariffs, are impacting holiday meal planning for many families. As community food insecurity grows, Wilson's partnership with local organizations to donate hams to those in need highlights the important role that small, community-focused businesses can play in supporting their neighbors.

The details

Wilson's shop, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer, has roots dating back to 1913 and is known for its all-natural hams made without synthetic nitrates, nitrites or phosphates. While ham remains a popular Easter item, Wilson says his shop also does brisk business in beef products. However, the beef industry is facing a supply squeeze, with cattle farmers putting less quality product on the market. Wilson has responded by buying in bulk from a Detroit-based supplier to keep prices as reasonable as possible. Tariffs have also added another layer of complexity, with one of Wilson's preferred Australian beef suppliers recently trying to pass a $90,000 import tax onto his wholesaler.

  • As Easter approaches, Wilson is preparing for the holiday rush.
  • Wilson's shop, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer, has roots dating back to 1913.

The players

Mark Wilson

The owner of The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer, a Traverse City specialty meat market with roots dating back to 1913.

The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer

A Traverse City specialty meat market with roots dating back to 1913, known for its all-natural hams made without synthetic nitrates, nitrites or phosphates.

Wolverine Packing

A Detroit-based supplier that Wilson buys beef from in bulk to keep prices as reasonable as possible.

Winter Sausage

A company that Wilson is partnering with to donate hams to J&S Hamburg as part of Project Feed the Kids.

Lipari Foods

A deli supplier that Wilson is partnering with to donate hams to J&S Hamburg as part of Project Feed the Kids.

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What they’re saying

“Check the ingredients in the ham you're using. I think I'm really proud of the stuff we make here. That's why people come here.”

— Mark Wilson, Owner, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer

“If you want to do business with America, you probably have to pay taxes, or tariffs rather. That's just part of doing business. But I like serving American beef anyway.”

— Mark Wilson, Owner, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer

“I'd much rather explain the price than apologize for the quality. You can pay more, you can pay less, but you can't get better.”

— Mark Wilson, Owner, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer

“I just happen to be in the meat business, and I'd like to help people with meat.”

— Mark Wilson, Owner, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer

What’s next

Wilson is continuing to work with local organizations like Winter Sausage and Lipari Foods to donate hams to those in need through Project Feed the Kids as the Easter holiday approaches.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges facing small, community-focused businesses like The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer as they navigate rising costs and supply chain issues in the beef industry. However, Wilson's commitment to quality products and community support demonstrates the important role these local institutions can play in supporting their neighbors, especially during times of economic uncertainty.