Eckermann’s Meat Market was opened in 1961 in Shelby, Texas, but the history of the family business can be traced back almost 70 years. As a young man, Alfred Eckermann slaughtered and processed hogs for neighboring farm families. In the 1950s, he purchased a chest freezer to use for storing the meat he processed, and began his retail business. Through much hard work and a commitment to producing quality meat products, the business grew.
In 1961, an 800 square foot facility was built to house Eckermann’s Meat Market. Over the next decade, the facility was expanded four times to meet the need of their growing market and clientele in the area. In 1970, the state of Texas introduced new state inspections of all public meat processing operations. As a result, the meat market made more major facility improvements to meet the new state requirements. Years later, additional facility changes were made to meet the growing capacity, as set by federal requirements, and established operating procedures as they are used today.
Alfred’s sons, Alfred (Buck) Jr. and Arlie, joined their father in the family business around 1980. Buck and Arlie currently own and operate Eckermann’s Meat Market.
In 1990, a new 10,000 square foot facility was built to handle all operations of the growing business. An additional 2,500 square feet were added in 2000 to accommodate a sausage storage cooler.
Today, the business continues to grow to area households and marketplaces in Central and South Central Texas, and sells an extensive line of sausage products as well as fresh pork and beef products.
The meat market greets hundreds of local and out-of-town customers each month. In fact, customers can now buy sausage online and have it shipped straight to their home. Of course, the Eckermanns still love to visit with their customers in person – so stop by, say hello and enjoy some homemade sausage fresh from the country.