[Letterhead of Western Beef]

Contact:  Thomas Moranzoni
          Chief Financial Officer
          Western Beef, Inc.
          (718) 417-3770


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

                 WESTERN BEEF, INC. CLOSES MERGER AND PURCHASES
                  OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SHARES AT $8.75 PER SHARE

     RIDGEWOOD, NY, December 22, 1999--Western Beef, Inc. (Nasdaq: BEEF)
announced today that it has closed its previously announced going private merger
with Cactus Acquisition, Inc. As a result of the merger, all shares of Western
Beef common stock, other than shares owned by Cactus, will be converted into the
right to receive $8.75 per share in cash. Letters of transmittal for submission
of stock certificates by brokers, dealers and other registered owners will be
distributed promptly.