Rittberger Meats: A Legacy in Zanesville, Ohio
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Rittberger family has been a staple in the local meat industry for over a century. Originating in the Zanesville City Market, the family established a retail butcher shop four generations ago. Their journey expanded into a wholesale operation from their farm on Lutz Lane 116 years later.
A Rich Heritage
Carl Rittberger Sr. ventured from Germany to the United States in 1897 at just 16 years old. Trained in the meat trade, he started a local business that would thrive for more than a hundred years. As Andrew Rittberger, president of Carl Rittberger Sr., Inc., states, “We have produced some of the best lunchmeats, hotdogs, and bacon in the world.”
Adapting to Change
Initially, Rittberger Meats & Farm Fresh Market sourced livestock from local farmers. However, as customer demand grew, the business faced challenges from larger supermarket chains. “Prior to 2012, 98 percent of our business was wholesale,” noted Rittberger. As these big box stores began prioritizing cheaper products, the family pivoted. The opening of their first retail store in 2012 led to a relocation across from the mall in 2019.
Community Connection
Rittberger’s has cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and traditional flavors of their meats. Their offerings are available through retail outlets, a food trailer, and catering services. This fall, they are excited to introduce a new service where local hunters can have their harvested deer processed into venison at their Lutz Lane farm.
For more information, visit Rittberger’s website.
