RUSHVILLE, Ind. — Custom processing of fresh-cut meats just became easier in Rushville, where Gettinger Family Custom Meats has expanded into retail to meet the needs of its customers.
"We are very busy," said Sam Gettinger, co-owner of the family business.
The retail outlet, located at 301 S. Main St., will be open for one year in September, and so far there’s only been one slow season, he said. Business slowed during the harsh winter months of January through March; however, last fall new customers kept the smokehouse busy with orders for holiday smoked hams and turkeys, while spring and summer heated up with demand for deli sandwiches and custom meats.
"Our processing facility is located in Gings, Indiana, which is 10 miles from downtown Rushville. It was ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for our town customers, so this new location is much better," Gettinger said. Gettinger Family Custom Meats employees six people full-time and 3-4 part-time. Located in the former Miller’s Drive-In Restaurant across the street from Kroger, the Gettinger retail outlet creates competition, which is good for everyone, he said.
"Competition makes everybody play more fair," he pointed out. "To compete against the big-box stores, you have to offer something different. We grind fresh cuts daily. Nothing is pre-packaged. The longer it sits, the more it loses flavor.
"We custom cut our meats, so if you want quarter-inch steaks instead of half-inch, you can get them. And we smoke our meats and marinate our chicken breasts."
The store sells beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lunch meat, cheese, salads and other products, often by the pound or in custom freezer bundles. Gettinger said the store’s pork roasts are popular for graduation and other parties. He also explained the store caters to regular customers from the surrounding counties.
"We smoke our own meats, including chops, bacon, links and brats. Our prices for beef and deli meats are under the competition," he said. In addition, at the Gings location deer can be custom processed, as well as cattle, hogs, lambs and goats. The Gettingers are fourth in the line of families who have owned the Meat Locker, which has been in Rush County for more than 50 years, Gettinger said. They purchased it in July 2012 from J&D Custom Meats.
The Gettingers have roots in the ag community. The family raises 100 head of cattle and 1,000 acres of soybeans and corn, Gettinger said. He also works as an ag lender at Midwest Ag Finance, Inc. in Rushville. See www.GettingerFamilyCustomMeats.com for more information on pricing and availability of meats, or call either 765-938-4000 or 765-932-3298.
