HOLLADAY, Utah – A local meat shop has seen a surge in business and some surprising reaction to a store rule. They’ve had several customers upset about the requirement to wear a face mask inside the store.

The owners of Snider Brothers Meats in Holladay told KSL their business has been surging. They’ve been surprised, however, with the negative reactions. 

They said they have been called “Nazis,” and even had people tell them they will never shop at their store again. 

“I understand that there are some people that may feel like it is a violation of their rights, but it is a two-way street and we are just trying to protect those that shop with us and those who work here with us,” said Will Wilson, who owns the shop with his wife, Amy. “It’s not a political statement. We are not trying to trample anybody’s rights. We are just trying to be right-minded.”

Snider Meats has been at its location on Highland Drive for 30 years. The family-owned and operated business opened in the 1930s. 

Will Wilson was a fifth-generation meat cutter in his family.

He said since the start of the virus outbreak that shut down businesses, they decided all employees and customers who come into their shop would have to wear a face mask.

Most customers have been very friendly and supportive of wearing masks, Wilson said. There have also been outspoken customers. 

“I would say the majority of our customers are so delighted,” said Wilson. “We’ve built a successful business. We’ve always treated our customers like gold.” 

Wilson told one customer he could purchase a face mask for $0.75 if he needed one. He said that customer told him, “he would never shop with us again.” 

“It’s really sad. It’s heartbreaking,” said Amy Wilson. “It scares me. Every day you wake up and you open up the store and unlock those doors. We’re worried about the escalation, but we also want to stand up for small businesses and business owners – that they can have their rights respected and their workers’ rights respected.” 

Carol Lemire, a longtime customer, said she did not understand why people get upset.

“The mask is a big positive as to why we stay coming here,” she said. “It’s saving lives. It’s ridiculous not to wear them.”

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• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
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Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.