Central Lean

This business is run by some of the most dishonest people I’ve ever known to run a business.
The meat is not the quality they advertise. The prices they quote for bulk purchases seem to change like generated – from the time they quote until you pick up. They wouldn’t uphold their first quote. The ground beef that was supposed to be LEAN was fatty and disgusting with gristle in it. I’ve tried their over priced varieties and know that I will never purchase anything there ever again.

My husband and I and friends of ours came upon Central Lean recently from northern illinois. I must tell you, their bacon is incredible. Not to mention the rest of their meat and their eggs (cheaper than whole foods!!). They are grass fed and grain fed (minimally). They are more interested in promising to under deliver than over deliver. One of the owners says and I quote from his wife: «We will never grow faster than our quality will allow.» I have to tell you, especially up north, that is an incredible promise. They sell ¼ and ½ and whole cattle each year (I think) which keeps it tender I am also very happy with the amish availability from Arthur and Arcola in the store. My husband and I have been there once a week, and have been happy with what we’ve found.

I’ve only been here a few times, but I have to echo the other reviews. Fresh and local food raised with care and they know all about the ingredients. The beef burgers are the best ever. The owners are warm, personable and very helpful. They have given me samples of several products when I expressed an interest. They support other local businesses and will answer any questions very honestly. Today I bought some sausages for my son-​in-​law to try and they threw in a craft soda for him.

«Without you all I’m going to be is… incomplete!»
For all you Backstreet Boys fans out there, you will recognize that line. If not, sorry for the confusion.
This is the best business in Paxton. As a physical education teacher, I always tell my students to eat REAL food. Central Lean has a lot of REAL food. ⁹³⁄₇ lean ground beef, pork burgers, and a ton of local dairy products. Plus Sandy gets her eggs local as well. The prices, quality, and service with a smile are what sets this place apart from other stores I’ve been to in the area. Paxton is lucky to have such a great shop with meat, specialty sodas (not my cup of tea), and so many different items you can’t find at your big box store! They even have BBQ sauce from a local business where I grew up. A slice of my hometown. More like a tablespoon from my hometown (who slices BBQ sauce?).
Looking for some Amish Sauerkraut? What about natural dog treats? You want some almond butter? Or what about some fair trade coffee? Sandy and the wonderful staff at Central Lean have you covered. I have a TON of questions every time I walk in the store about ordering special items and they’re always so accommodating. Plus, I get my free range eggs from here too! I like to know how my eggs get laid (haha), so that’s really important to me. Probably the richest yolk I have tasted in my life.
I ate TWELVE hard boiled eggs in one day from Central Lean. Not all in one sitting, but throughout the day. It was delicious and I could have eaten more, but balance is the key. But I digress. I will tell you they support the community (Paxton Dog Park, local schools, and displaying other businesses in the area).
Steak dinner? BOOM! My neighbors love their ribeyes. This guy loves the sirloin and ground beef burgers. It’s nice to know where your food is coming from. It’s also nice that nice people help you get it!
Can you be too helpful? I find myself asking that question every single time I walk out of Central Lean! I always feel bad because they’re so nice and I feel like I should give them a gift or something. Central Lean has the «Central Illinois» charm down PAT (just went there… PUN INTENDED).

This place is wonderful. I was very excited to get source certified honey and the homemade apple cheddar brats were excellent. We also tried 7 different unique «craft» sodas. They were great. I will make it a priority to stop by anytime I am in the area. Very friendly customer service too. We felt very welcome.

Wonderful variety of inventory and star service! Sandra knows her stuff and is the queen of free samples! Wonderful asset for Paxton!