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| Co-owner Doug Fritz cuts pork chops. |
Fritz's Meat Preserves Its Market By Elena Olson King What was once a convenient stop along Highway 6 and 34, finding Fritz's Meat has now become circuitous route through southeast Holdrege. Across the railroad tracks, down several blocks, then back across the tracks and through a parking lot, the owners of Fritz's Meat have placed red and white yard signs along the way to assist customers. However, just like any treasure hunt, what customers find when they arrive Fritz's Meats is definitely worth it. Prized cuts of beef and renowned smoked meats are just part of the reward for anyone who makes the trip through town. In many cities, however, meat stores can't be found at all. For decades, local butcher shops in the United States have declined. As supermarkets expanded and small-town grocery stores have disappeared, numbers of neighborhood butchers have also closed shop. The Fritz brothers, Calvin and Doug, bucked the trend when they purchased the store in 1999, building upon their success as owners of Fritz's Market in Hildreth. Though Calvin and Doug started Fritz's Meat just over 15 years ago, each have a lifetime of experience in the local grocery store business. Seven generations of the family have worked as grocers, something that Matt Fritz, son of co-owner Doug, says is more than just a job. Buying the store at Hildreth served as a way to preserve the small town. "Once the grocery store goes and the school goes, then the community goes," Matt states. This community spirit can be seen in the other items sold in Fritz's Meat, like frozen pies and seasonings. Matt continues, "We enjoy selling products from local businesses." Fritz's Meat also buys from Holdrege stores whenever possible. They turned to The Screen Machine to make the yard signs which lead to Fritz's Meat instead of buying out of town or online. Holdrege residents have returned this dedication to the community. Even through the inconvenience of road construction outside the store, people continue to shop at Fritz's Meat. "We are grateful for the loyal customers," Matt adds, when asked if business has slowed. "People are adjusting." Although signs have helped customers figure out how to find the location since the highway closed, something else drives many people to exclusively buy their meat at Fritz's. "We have stayed true to what we're good at," Matt explains. All of their smoked meats are made in their store in Holdrege, including smoked salami and beef jerky. Recently, they began marinating chicken breasts which are perfect for grilling, just like their famous flat iron steaks. Customers may also order sliced smoked beef and pork in larger quantities for graduations or other parties. Fritz's Meat can be found at 1304 4th Ave in Holdrege with helpful signs leading the way. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Fritz's Meat may be reached at (308) 995-8121, at their website, or on facebook. Business profiles are good business Each week, a business profile is published in this newsletter. The newsletter goes out to over 600 email addresses and is forwarded to even more. Featuring your business is good advertising and good business. If your business has not been featured during the last two years, contact the Chamber Office at 308-995-4444 to schedule a short interview. |
