Family owned since the 1930s

KENMORE - Dating as far back as the 1930s, the Hoelscher Family has been knowledgeable about what it takes to run a meat business in Western New York. Today, Hoelscher’s Meats, located at 3067 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, is ran by Don Hoelscher Jr., the grandson of its original owner Raymond J. Hoelscher Sr., who was born in Buffalo in 1898.

Raymond, who earned his apprenticeship working as a meat cutter for the Weil Brothers, was given the opportunity to purchase the business for $500 in the 1930s. However, do to his lack of transportation, the financial burden of a mortgage payment, and the responsibility of providing for his wife and six children, Raymond was in no position to purchase the store. In a strange and honorable turn of events, the Store Owner at that time, Mr. Toth, agreed to sell the business to Raymond based on a good old fashion handshake.

Initially working out of the Washington Market, Hoelscher’s Meats would often slice up to 600 pounds of Patrick Cudahy Ham that sold for .89 cents per pound at the time. This was all in just one day of work.

The business continued to grow, adding two restaurants and Our Lady of Victory Hospital to its list of customers, and still maintaining its promise of selling quality meats at a fair price.

In 1962, Hoelscher’s Meats relocated to a building on Clinton Street, Buffalo. From there the Hoelscher Family continued to pass down the growth and responsibilities of owning and operating the meat business from generation to generation.

“The brother’s [Don Jr.’s uncles Raymond Jr., Kenny, Bob, Dick and his father Don Sr.] grew the business beyond anyone’s expectations,” said Don III.

Those brothers stayed in business together until 1966 and then embarked on their own meat business operations. Each brother opened his own meat market, which are now closed. They were Carol Ann Meat’s; Bobby Hoelscher Meat’s; Englewood Meat’s; Transit Meat’s; Seneca Meat’s; and Derby Meat’s. All of the meat markets were still under the realm of Hoelscher’s Meats.

“We have high quality [meats] at low prices,” said Don Jr. “ Our prices are lower than supermarkets and other meat markets.”

Don Jr. feels this is why Hoelscher’ Meats has stayed in business all these years.

Today, the last of the Hoelscher Family members who are involved in the business are David Hoelscher, Don Jr., and Don III. The family is still dedicated to providing their customers with quality, fresh products and values the patrons who have supported them all these years.

“Thank you, to all of our loyal customers. Some of who have been with us through the generations,” said Don III. “We know that today’s market place is competitive, you have many choices. We appreciate you choosing to shop with us.”

Hoelscher’s Meats will be offering Amish all-natural fresh turkey for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, stop in to the store or call 874-3620 to purchase one for the holiday season.