Meet Your Local Heroes
Community: Ebner’s Custom Meats
By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer | Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Summer is in full swing; if you haven’t already, it’s time to break out the barbecue and gather all your favorite meats to grill! Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Canby, Ebner’s Custom Meats is the top butcher shop for premium meats in fully customizable cuts, a deli that serves gigantic sandwiches and an owner who supports the community every chance he gets.
Owner Mike Ebner grew up in Mt. Angel, where his grandfather owned the Mt. Angel Slaughterhouse. After the war, his great-uncle worked there, and later his dad took it over — so Mike grew up in the industry. “I was there pulling hides and helping out as soon as I was big enough,” says Mike. His dad sold the business in 1999 and Mike went to work for Fisher’s Meats. He bought the place 13 years ago and Ebner’s Custom Meats was born.
When it comes to meat, Ebner’s has it all, with custom processed beef, pork, chicken, lamb, wild game and a well-stocked retail counter with thick steaks, ribs, chops and house-made sausage and jerky. All products are procured locally and are all-natural with no hormones or antibiotics.
Some cuts are prepared with housemade seasonings and marinades that are also for sale separately. The case is full of unique creations like pineapples wrapped in racks of baby back ribs for the smoker and onion bombs stuffed full of juicy ground beef. The deli in the back serves up hot and cold sandwiches loaded with fresh sliced meats. Take a few minutes to relax in the casual seating area with big-screen TVs and a selection of cold beverages including beer and ciders. Ebner’s also offers full-service catering for birthday parties, weddings, graduations and everything in between!
As you walk into the butcher shop and head towards the deli, you’ll see the Meat the Veteran display. Mike sponsors an article every month in Canby Community Advantage magazine that highlights a local veteran by sharing their unique story. The initiative was created to honor those in the community who’ve served and they’ve featured over 25 to date. “I have family members who’ve served, and I have all the respect in the world for the sacrifices veterans have made,” says Mike.
They began showcasing the articles on the wall and Mike says it’s been a fun addition for customers. “I love it when someone comes down for lunch, and they look up and say, ‘Hey, that’s my grandpa!’” he says. “It’s been a privilege to hear all their stories.”
With a heart for supporting the local community, Mike believes in giving as much as he can as often as possible. Ebner’s donates to local youth sports and sponsors community events throughout the year, like the street dance, the Independence Day Celebration and more. A family man and father of three girls, Mike is a longtime employer of local high school students. “I’ve had kids who came in for lunch when they were seven or eight and then they work for me and I see them go off to college or join the military,” he says. “It’s been fun to watch them grow up.”
Next time you’re on the hunt for a giant deli sandwich with homemade macaroni salad or delicious premium meats guaranteed to impress your dinner guests, visit Ebner’s Custom Meats. Remember to check out the Meat the Veteran display, and you’ll always find the feature in your monthly issue of Canby Community Advantage.
Ebner’s Custom Meats is located at 272 N. Grant Street, Canby. For more information, give them a call at 503-266-5678.