For over five decades, Meats by Linz has built a reputation as one of the most respected names in premium meats, supplying the finest cuts to top-tier steakhouses, retailers, and food distributors across the country. As their business grew, so did the complexity of their operations. Their original processing, manufacturing, and storage functions were spread across two separate buildings across the street from each other, creating logistical inefficiencies that made it difficult to keep up with rising demand. To streamline their operations and enhance productivity, Meats by Linz set out to consolidate everything into one state-of-the-art facility— a single hub that could support their long-term growth while maintaining the rigorous quality and food safety standards they are known for.
That’s when they turned to Alston Construction.
From the start, the project demanded a high level of coordination, flexibility, and expertise. Alston partnered with Arete Design Studio, a trusted architect with deep experience in industrial and cold storage projects, to bring the vision to life. Together, they navigated the complexities of designing and constructing a highly specialized facility that could meet the precise needs of Meats by Linz’s operations.
A key feature of the facility is the dry aging room, which plays a vital role in Meats by Linz’s commitment to premium quality. The company has developed a proprietary dry aging system, making this space a crucial element of their operations. To meet their exact needs, the team worked closely with designers to ensure the room was built to precise specifications, allowing Meats by Linz to maintain their signature aging process at scale.
As is often the case with large-scale industrial projects, challenges arose along the way. Throughout construction, the team managed over 104 change orders, ensuring that adjustments were seamlessly incorporated without disrupting progress. the majority of which stemmed from the fact that much of the specialized equipment needed for production was ordered after construction was already underway. As those specifications were finalized, adjustments had to be made to accommodate the precise requirements of the machinery, refrigeration systems, and processing lines. These modifications included adjusting structural elements, updating mechanical and electrical systems, and reconfiguring layouts to ensure seamless integration of the new equipment. Thanks to a strong collaboration between Alston and all project stakeholders, each change was evaluated and executed efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track while still meeting the highest standards of quality and performance.
The concrete tapping floor in the production area, which required precise sloping to ensure proper drainage. Given the nature of Meats by Linz’s operations—handling raw meat and water—the flooring system had to be carefully designed to meet sanitation and safety standards. The process was complex and time-intensive, taking nearly a month and a half to complete before any other work could continue in that section of the building. It involved a three-part system, starting with a base layer, followed by an additional coating, and finally a non-slip, colored surface to provide durability and traction. The entire floor had to maintain a monolithic finish, except at the construction joints, to prevent bacterial buildup and ensure seamless drainage. This critical but challenging aspect of the project required close coordination and precise execution to meet the industry’s strict hygiene and operational requirements.
Navigating FDA involvement was a crucial part of the project, given the strict regulations for food processing facilities. The team worked diligently to ensure all necessary requirements were met, allowing for a smooth FDA inspection process. The initial inspection took place, and any required corrections were quickly addressed, leading to final approval within the same week—a significant achievement for a facility of this complexity. However, compliance didn’t stop there. The FDA maintains a constant presence at the Meats by Linz facility, with an office on-site for daily oversight. This level of scrutiny required meticulous attention to detail throughout construction, ensuring that every element of the building—from materials to drainage systems—met or exceeded food safety standards. The project team’s ability to adapt and collaborate effectively was key in achieving compliance without delaying operations.
One of the biggest challenges in the project was finalizing the office space design, which took significantly longer than anticipated. Meats by Linz wanted a space that not only reflected their brand but also provided a functional and welcoming environment for employees and visitors. However, three different interior designers were brought in at different stages to develop concepts, leading to multiple revisions and extended decision-making timelines. As a result, waiting on final selections for finishes, layouts, and materials caused delays in the overall schedule. While Alston Construction remained flexible and adjusted workflows to keep progress moving, the uncertainty around interior design choices created a ripple effect, pushing back key milestones. Through consistent communication and strategic planning, the team managed to keep the project on track while ensuring that the final office space met the high expectations of Meats by Linz.
Despite the challenges, the result was a cutting-edge, high-performance facility that brought all aspects of Meats by Linz’s operations under one roof. The project not only streamlined logistics and increased efficiency but also set the stage for future growth, giving the company the ability to scale its production while maintaining the quality it’s known for.
For Meats by Linz, this project wasn’t just about a new building—it was about transforming their business for the future. And for Alston Construction, it was another example of how strong partnerships, expertise, and adaptability can turn even the most complex projects into success stories.