Our Story

Yolo 8 Meats™ was founded by Gerardo “El Yolo” Parra, a former MLB player, rancher, and health enthusiast, who grew up in the prominent agricultural region of South Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, where ranching and baseball were integral parts of his life. The name "Yolo 8 Meats" honors Gerardo's grandmother, Yolanda, the namesake of his own childhood nickname "Yolo”. 

After retiring from a successful, 12-season MLB career, Gerardo turned his focus to his passion for ranching and created the Yolo 8 Meats brand. As a family business, Yolo 8 Meats represents a promise: to honor our ranching roots, support local Texas cattlemen, and share with your family the same quality meat we serve at our own family table. 

  • Young boy playing baseball in Venezuela
  • Baseball player Gerardo Parra in a Giants uniform holding a bat on a baseball field
  • Gerardo Parra and his family posing on a baseball field with fireworks in the background

The Yolo 8 Mission

Drawing on his ranching background and passion for quality nutrition, Gerardo is committed to delivering athlete-quality protein by sourcing from top-quality Texas raised Wagyu-Angus beef herds, which are grass-fed and finished on grain, ensuring our customers receive only the juiciest, most tender, and flavorful products.

We work directly with a select few local Texas butchers and co-packers with whom we have developed close relationships with, to ensure consistent quality and reliable fulfillment.

Characteristics of Our Premium Beef

We hand-select Texas raised Wagyu-Angus beef cattle raised by local ranchers, using the following characteristics to select cattle that will produce optimal meat:

  • Cattle on a farm with a person leading them along a dirt path.

    Health

    We only harvest well-finished, muscular, and healthy cattle. We look for cattle that move around with ease, have a healthy, shiny coat, and an alert yet docile temperament because calm, happy cows produce more tender meat.

  • Raw steak on a wooden cutting board with a dark background

    Age

    We look for cattle that have matured slowly. While slower-growing cattle are more expensive, the beef has better flavor and distinct intramuscular fat marbling throughout the meat for a juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.

  • Man holding a calf in a grassy field.

    Genetic balance

    We look for cattle with balanced physical traits of both Wagyu and Angus breeds. This gives us clues that the beef will have the right balance of the ideal characteristics we are looking for — Wagyu marbling and signature Angus flavor.
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Woman seasoning a piece of meat on a wooden cutting board with herbs.

The Yolo 8 Difference

Taste the difference, enjoy the quality.

Our beef is high-quality, flavorful, and tender, thanks to the ideal combination of Wagyu and Angus genetics, which create a unique marbling that contributes to a rich, buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Our Wagyu-Angus beef cuts and snacks provide minimally processed and delicious options for meeting your protein needs, whether your family is gathered around the table or on the go. We ship frozen to ensure your package arrives quickly and safely.

  • A family of six posing together in a modern, minimalist living room with white curved sofas and a large abstract painting on the wall. The father is sitting on a white circular ottoman in the center, holding a baby, while the mother stands behind them in a cream dress.

    From Our Family to Yours

    For us, beef is more than a product—it’s a way to connect families, celebrate gatherings, and honor a legacy passed down through generations.

    By choosing Yolo 8 Meats, you join us in supporting local ranchers and investing in programs that empower the next generation of cattlemen and women. Because at the end of the day, we’re more than a beef company—we’re a family, and we invite you to be part of our tradition.

Our Team

Our team at Yolo 8 Meats is united by a shared commitment to delivering premium beef and high quality meat through a modern meat delivery experience. Led by Gerardo Parra, a former MLB player and ranch aficionado, we combine real-world experience in cattle, sourcing, and performance-driven nutrition with a passion for great food, Luis Schloeter brings deep expertise in cattle and sourcing. Together, we focus on responsibly sourced beef, curated cuts, and fresh meat delivery—bringing an online butcher experience directly to your door with quality you can trust.

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