Meet Amanda Morais

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Morais and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Meatbone Market, our mission goes beyond just selling meat — we’re here to serve our community. We provide high-quality, fresh cuts, many of them handcrafted and hard to find elsewhere, which helps our customers eat better and feel more connected to their food.

We also take pride in creating a welcoming, family-style environment where people feel cared for and respected. In a world where most things are rushed or automated, we bring back the personal touch — we know our customers by name, and we listen to what they need.

We support local jobs, collaborate with nearby businesses whenever we can, and do our best to reduce waste through smart inventory management and donations when possible. Our homemade seasonings and artisanal products are made with care, and every decision we make is with the community in mind.

We believe that when a small business thrives, it brings people together, creates opportunity, and strengthens the local economy. That’s the heart behind Meatbone Market.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Meatbone Market is a local butcher shop and bakery located in Cumming, Georgia. We specialize in premium meats — from ribeye and filet mignon to picanha and brisket — along with exclusive house-made seasonings and our signature chimichurri. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to quality, personalized service, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship.

We don’t just sell meat — we educate our customers, we listen, we guide them through new cuts and recipes, and we create a space where people feel like family. Our goal is to bring back the kind of shopping experience where people are known by name, and where they can trust what they’re buying.

Getting here wasn’t easy. We started with a dream and very limited resources, in a location that many said wouldn’t work. On top of that, navigating the cultural differences between me and my American husband and business partner added its own set of challenges. But we pushed through — with hard work, faith, and a lot of learning along the way.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that success takes more than great products — it takes resilience, community, and humility. We’ve made mistakes, faced slow months, and had to rebuild more than once, but we never lost sight of our mission: to serve our customers with excellence and heart.

We want the world to know that Meatbone Market is more than a store — it’s a story of family, courage, and perseverance. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and excited for everything still ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the best of what our area has to offer — a mix of nature, small-town charm, and great local spots.

We’d definitely spend a lot of time at Lake Lanier. It’s one of my favorite places — whether we’re out on a boat, walking the trails, enjoying lunch at one of the marinas, or just relaxing by the water. It’s a perfect place for both adventure and peaceful moments, and great for families too.

I’d also take them to explore the historic downtown areas of Cumming and Buford. They’re full of character, beautiful architecture, cozy coffee shops, and small businesses that reflect the spirit of the community. It’s a great way to experience local life and support local entrepreneurs.

Of course, we’d stop by Meatbone Market — I’d cook up some of our best cuts, homemade chimichurri, and we’d have a real southern cookout at home to end one of the days.

For a week-long trip, we’d mix in good food, nature, shopping, and lots of conversation. There’s something special about this area — a balance between calm and connection — and I’d love for them to feel that too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and strength of my husband, Douglas Mincey. His deep technical knowledge, years of experience, and dedication in the butcher shop have been essential to building Meatbone Market from the ground up. He’s not only incredibly skilled, but also consistent and committed, which has given us a strong foundation to grow our business.

I also have to thank my family, who have always believed in us — offering emotional support, helping with the day-to-day when needed, and reminding me that we’re not in this alone. Building a small business is never easy, but having people who stand by you through the challenges makes all the difference. I’m grateful every day for the team behind the scenes — especially the ones at home.

Website: https://www.meatbonemarket.com

Instagram: @meatbonemarket

Facebook: Meatbone Market

Other: Tik tok : @meatbonemarket