Our Story

Kennedy's Meat Company celebrates nearly 5 decades of serving the public with “Best in Class Carne Asada”!

Our Experience is Celebrated

Kennedy’s Meat Company celebrates Fourth of July

Best Way To Grill Your Burgers

FOX 5’s Raoul Martinez talks to Mark Soto and Tex Lillard from Kennedy’s Meat Company about the best ways to grill burgers ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

Escondido Then & Now: Revisiting 1994 Profile

News 8 looks into the history of Escondido and what it’s like today. We revisit Grape Day Park, businesses and other places featured in 1994.

Escondido company gives away 20,000 pounds of meat

Chris Miller, Eric Brandt, Mark Mendoza, and Cody Hathaway teamed up to give out 20,000 lbs of steak and jerky.

Shop local and visit Kennedy’s Meat Company

Born in 1972, the original Kennedy’s Market was opened by Jesus Soto in the small town of Heber, CA. Mr. Soto wished to provide the residents of the Imperial Valley with a convenient location to purchase groceries, household goods and gasoline. What began as a small convenience store soon became the focal point of anyone who made their way through the Imperial Valley. Jesus’ “convenience store carne” grew in popularity and in no time, people were flocking to Heber to get their hands on Mr. Soto’s creation. Our family continues to take great pride in providing only the highest quality meats and table fare to our customers.

Today, Kennedy’s lives on through the family, primarily Jesus’ grandson, Mark Soto Mendoza, who owns the Escondido location. Here is where you can still purchase the same product that Jesus Soto created nearly 50 years ago!

In 2023, Kennedy’s Meat Company opened a new location in Temecula on Margarita Rd! Mark continues the Kennedy’s legacy in Escondido and now in Temecula.

Kennedy’s features Certified Angus Beef (CAB), USDA Prime selections, Chicken, Pork and a restaurant (at our Escondido location) filled with delicious meals inspired by Kennedy’s Meats.

Our Team

Mark

Owner

Mark Soto Mendoza is the Owner of Kennedy’s Meat Company, grandson of Jesus Soto who created the original Kennedy’s. Mark cares about his staff and customers like they are part of his family and it shows in the connections made in his store.
Juan

Main Chef

Juan aka “Juanito” has been with Kennedy’s for many years. He is our Main Chef and plays a part in why our restaurant has so many customers who keep coming back. His love & kindness show in the food he prepares.
Cody

Assistant Store Manager

Cody has been in the customer service industry for 14 years and is great at what he does. He has many roles which include Manager, Butcher, Cook, Cashier, etc. He is also a marinating machine if you’re looking for something special!
Tayler

Social Media Manager

Tayler has been managing all of our social media platforms since 2018 and loves to connect with our customers through her creativity. Aside from screen time, she is often helping around the store wherever she is needed.
Machelle

Front Cashier Manager

Machelle comes from over 3 decades of restaurant experience. She has been with us since 2019 and helps us manage the store as well as making sure our customers are always satisfied!