Groundbreaking held for new butchery in Comanche

A vision and a dream that started a few years ago is now becoming a reality for Trey Clinkenbeard with the groundbreaking for the Red Plains Grand Butchery on Texas Ave. in Comanche.

“I’m just so excited to be here and to serve my hometown with this new opportunity,” Clinkenbeard said.

Clinkenbeard had brought Ryan Walden on board in the process to be his plant manager. He also brought on consultant Marcine Moldenhauer, who has a background in butcheries, to help along the way with design and dealing with government regulations.

“She’s the brains behind everything and she’s held my hand through this whole process,” Clinkenbeard said. “Our vision is to help the ranchers and the agriculture economy in the area. And as crazy as the world’s getting right now, I think that’s more important than ever.”

Clinkenbeard introduced city manager Chuck Ralls, by saying there’s nothing improved in the community without Chuck.

“We appreciate you coming out for this historic event,” Ralls said. “Small communities, especially in Oklahoma, they live and die with commerce. Everything that drives the development in these communities is through commerce. And that’s not possible without visionaries like Trey and the team that he’s brought together.”

Ralls said it was the first groundbreaking the city’s had in more than 10 years for a new business.

“I think we’re going to have some more businesses coming in and this is kind of lighting the way showing people here that there are people who want to be part of the community and they’re investing their families and investing their money.”

Sen. Chris Kidd was the next to speak and he praised Clinkenbeard for the project.

“There’s people like Trey who can go anywhere and be successful,” Kidd said. “There’s even more to be said for someone who not only chooses to stay here, but make a significant impact and contribution to their community.”

Kidd said the meat-packing industry has had a stranglehold on farmers and ranchers to monopolize their profits.

“They’ve had huge profits for years and years while our farmers and ranchers just struggled to break even,” Kidd said. “Because of you and your team, there will be an alternative for farmers and ranchers and an alternative for them to get a fair price for their cattle. In addition, we as consumers will have a quality beef product that was locally grown to try.”

State Sen. Darrell Weaver, who grew up in Comanche, now represents the Norman area spoke next.

“Rarely do you have people that have influenced a community as much as (the Clinkenbeards) have,” Weaver said. “You’re doing a great job of keeping (small towns) alive. This is the backbone of Oklahoma, these rural communities. I’m very proud of where I come from. And I’m very proud just to be able to stand here with this family.”

State Rep. Marcus McEntire said he hopes Clinkenbeard can have an impact in the industry.

“You’re one of the cogs in the wheel to disrupt really what is a monopoly,” McEntire said. “With a small number of companies controlling the vast majority of the market, we need disruptors like you, so thank you for doing this.”

Steve Carson, field representative for U.S. Sen. James Lankford, also praised Clinkenbeard for providing more competition in the industry.

“I was just firing off questions at Trey earlier and he had an answer to every one,” Carson said. “He has a great business plan. He’s got a great business mind and confidence that this will be a successful venture.”

E&W Construction in Comanche will do the building construction.