"I want to be the whole-animal guy.... It's the hardest way to run a meat company, but I think it's the best way. [Buying from small farms] is better for the environment, it's better for the community and it's better for our customers." -Justin Brunson

River Bear American Meats is a Denver-based company owned by Chef Justin Brunson that uses old world techniques to make new world fresh and cured meats. River Bear only sources from family farmers who raise their animals the right way – the humane way. All their pork products are antibiotic-free, and all our products are hormone-free and made with no junk and no fillers. Just the family farm-raised, hand-trimmed good stuff.

Executive Chef Justin Brunson’s passion for quality ingredients and artfully designed cuisine stems from his agricultural roots earning him recognition as one of Denver’s most impressive and innovative chefs. Growing up in an Iowan farming family, Brunson learned the importance of carefully sourced ingredients and has taken his knowledge of the farming and agriculture industries into each of his concepts. Brunson’s family of restaurants that together make up Brunson & Co., highlight the best of heritage-raised meats, sustainable seafood and ingredients sourced from farms around Colorado.

River Bear is the next evolution of charcuterie skills that Brunson has been honing his entire life. Meat is his passion, and he aims to make it yours as well.