The Hidden Gem of Sausages: Bavaria Sausage Inc.

May 20
06:18

2024

Henry Verden

Henry Verden

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Discover the rich history and unparalleled quality of Bavaria Sausage Inc., a family-owned business in Madison, Wisconsin, that has been crafting authentic German sausages and delicacies since 1961. From traditional bratwurst to unique Schwarzwald Schinken, learn how this establishment has maintained its commitment to quality and customer service for over six decades.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

In 1956,The Hidden Gem of Sausages: Bavaria Sausage Inc. Articles Fred Voll, a Master Sausage Maker, and his wife Kathe relocated from Schweinfurt, Bavaria, to Madison, Wisconsin. Fred initially worked for Red Owl but soon realized his dream of creating sausages his way. In 1961, he purchased land near Madison and opened the first Bavaria chalet, setting the stage for a legacy of exceptional sausage-making.

Authentic German Specialties

Fred's dedication to quality and his family's Old World recipes resulted in a variety of authentic German sausages, including bratwurst, knackwurst, nurnbergs, weisswurst, and schnitzel. Today, the second generation, led by Fred and Kathe's daughter Judy Voll-Cottrell and her husband Steve Cottrell, continues this tradition. Judy emphasizes, "We still adhere to the strict quality we started with: no fillers, no additives, no MSG. We are still natural hickory smoked, and everything remains the same. The product is as lean as it was. Fred doesn't change his recipes for anybody."

Beyond Sausages: A Culinary Treasure Trove

Bavaria Sausage Inc. offers more than just sausages. Their impressive selection includes liverwursts, salamis, schinken (ham), and various sandwich and specialty meats. They also provide a range of imported and domestic cheeses, including Cheddars aged up to ten years. A standout product is their Black Forest hams, or Schwarzwald Schinken, which Judy proudly notes, "We're the only one in the United States that makes the true Schwarzwald Schinken. It takes four months of smoking, starting with a 24-pound ham."

A Store Full of Delights

A visit to their store reveals a plethora of baked goods, pretzels, cabbages, krauts, candies, curry ketchups, mustards, spaetzle, preserves, spices, soups, and more. For those who crave a good German meal but lack the time to prepare it, their ready-made frozen selections, like sauerbraten, are a perfect solution.

Convenient Shopping Options

Customers can enjoy Bavaria Sausage Inc.'s offerings in three ways: by visiting their retail store, placing an order via phone or fax, or shopping online through their comprehensive website. Unlike other mail-order or online stores, Bavaria Sausage only charges the actual cost of shipping, ensuring your order arrives in perfect condition.

Wholesale and Internet Sales

For many years, Bavaria Sausage's primary business was wholesale, supplying restaurants, ballparks, grocery stores, and private labels for other retail chains. However, there has been a significant shift towards internet and mail-order sales, driven by Wisconsinites who have moved away and visitors who crave a taste of Badger State cuisine.

Processing Wild Game

For over 50 years, Bavaria Sausage has offered wild game processing services. They accept various types of wild game, including deer, elk, bear, antelope, wild boar, mule deer, caribou, and moose. They transform this meat into a variety of products, such as summer sausage, double smoked wheel sausage, brats, ring bologna, wieners, breakfast sausage, liver sausage, and landjager. They also offer fish and fowl smoking services, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Exceptional Customer Service

The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Bavaria Sausage Inc. are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Judy explains, "We're big into customer service. I don't hesitate to call someone on Sunday or at night if they have a question or issue with shipping, and they're often shocked that a person is actually calling them."

A Taste of Germany in Wisconsin

Bavaria Sausage Inc. offers over 1,000 items, providing a valuable resource for experienced German food aficionados and newcomers alike. Whether you're from Berlin or Heidelberg, or simply curious about German cuisine, you're in for a treat. As the Germans say, "Guten Appetit!"

Visit Bavaria Sausage Inc.

For more information, visit Bavaria Sausage Inc.. The store is located at 6317 Nesbitt Road, Madison, WI 53719. Store hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interesting Stats

  • The U.S. sausage market was valued at approximately $8.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2021 to 2028 (Grand View Research).
  • Wisconsin is the leading state in cheese production, contributing over 25% of the total U.S. cheese output (Wisconsin Cheese).

Conclusion

Bavaria Sausage Inc. stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic, high-quality German sausages and delicacies. With a rich history, unwavering commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service, this family-owned business continues to delight customers both near and far.