The International Meat Market first opened its doors on November 1, 1983 as the "Carniçaria International Meat Market." It was started by three lifelong friends: Benjamin Barcelos, Francisco Diniz and Manuel Faria. The three friends migrated from the Azores in Portugal and traveled to several countries always working together as butchers. Through the years they gained extensive knowledge and became experts of their trade. They ended up in RI in the late 70's where they worked at a local slaughter house together and decided to open a retail store of their own.