Turkeys flying out meat markets despite pandemic

In a year defined by shutdowns, empty store shelves and slow business, Greg Traband is having one of his best years yet.

Section:Gallery

Mon., Nov. 23, 2020

Owner Greg Traband hold one of Egger’s Meats North’s fresh turkeys for the holiday at Egger’s Meats North in North Spokane, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Traband has to inquirers that the shop has sold out of fresh turkeys but if there is a cancellation, he can sell those to buyers who forgot to pre-order them up to a month in advance.

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Jessica Bowen, right, bags a fresh turkey Monday behind plastic panels for customer Tricia Kannberg, left, at Egger’s Meats North in north Spokane. This Egger’s location has sold out, by preorder, of its fresh turkeys, which come unfrozen from a farm in Western Washington. Customers are paying premium prices at Egger’s for an all-natural turkey that has never been frozen.

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Greg Traband, right, talks with a customer inquiring about purchasing one of their fresh turkeys for the holiday while a several young employees work behind the counter this week at Egger’s Meats North in North Spokane, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Traband has to tell customers that the shop has sold out of fresh turkeys but if there is a cancellation, he can then dole those out to buyers who forgot to pre-order them.

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Jessica Bowen cleans up the display case while other prepare turkeys for the holidays behind the counter this week at Egger’s Meats North in North Spokane, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. The shop has sold out of fresh turkeys but if there is a cancellation, maybe buyers who forgot to pre-order them can get one.

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Austin Traband, right, bags a fresh turkey for a customer at Egger’s Meats North in North Spokane, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. This Egger’s location has sold out, by pre-order, of their fresh turkeys, which come unfrozen from a farm in Western Washington.

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A customer leaves Egger’s Meats North in North Spokane, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. This Egger’s location has sold out, by pre-order, of their fresh turkeys, which come unfrozen from a farm in Western Washington. Owner Greg Traband says the store, which has a loyal customer base, has sold out of their order of fresh turkeys from a farm in Western Washington.

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