Peoria Packing: A Complete Guide

Peoria Packing is a meat packing and processing company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in the wholesale distribution of various types of meat products, including beef, pork, poultry, and lamb. Peoria Packing has been in business since 1929 and has built a reputation for providing high-quality meat products to restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments in the Chicago area and beyond. The company operates its own processing facilities and has a team of experienced butchers and meat processors who work to ensure that its products are of the highest quality.

History of Peoria Packing

As mentioned earlier, Peoria Packing was founded in 1922 by John DeMichele Sr. The company originally started as a small meat market in the Peoria Street area of Chicago. The area was known for its many meatpacking plants, and DeMichele quickly established himself as a trusted supplier of quality meats to both residents and businesses in the neighborhood.

Over the years, Peoria Packing expanded its operations and moved to a larger facility in the South Loop area of Chicago. In 2005, the company moved again to its current location at 1300 West Carroll Avenue. Today, the company is run by John DeMichele Jr., who has continued his father’s tradition of providing exceptional meats and customer service to the Chicago area.

Products Offered by Peoria Packing

Peoria Packing offers a variety of meat products including:

  1. Beef: Peoria Packing offers a wide range of beef products including steaks, roasts, ground beef, and beef ribs.
  2. Pork: They offer pork products such as chops, ribs, tenderloins, ground pork, and ham.
  3. Poultry: Peoria Packing offers chicken and turkey products like whole birds, breasts, wings, and ground poultry.
  4. Lamb: They offer lamb chops, ground lamb, and leg of lamb.
  5. Sausages: Peoria Packing offers a variety of sausages including Italian, bratwurst, andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausages.
  6. Deli meats: They offer deli meats like ham, turkey, salami, and pastrami.
  7. Seafood: They offer fresh and frozen seafood products like salmon, shrimp, and crab.
  8. Game meat: Peoria Packing offers game meats like bison, elk, and venison.

In addition to these products, Peoria Packing also offers specialty items like BBQ sauces, rubs, and marinades. They also offer custom meat processing and packaging services.

Service Offered by Peoria Packing

Peoria Packing offers a range of services in addition to their meat products:

  1. Custom meat processing: Peoria Packing offers custom meat processing services for hunters and farmers who need their meat processed and packaged.
  2. Wholesale meat: They offer wholesale meat to restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice businesses.
  3. Meat delivery: Peoria Packing offers meat delivery services to customers in the Chicago area.
  4. Butchery classes: They offer classes on meat cutting and butchery for customers who want to learn how to prepare and cut meat.
  5. Meat packaging: Peoria Packing can package meat according to customer specifications, including vacuum sealing and shrink-wrapping.
  6. Specialty orders: They can fulfill special orders for customers who are looking for specific cuts or types of meat.
  7. Catering: Peoria Packing also offers catering services for events and parties.

Overall, Peoria Packing offers a comprehensive range of meat-related services, from custom processing and packaging to wholesale and catering.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Peoria Packing is committed to providing high-quality meat products while also prioritizing sustainability.

In terms of quality, they source their meat from reputable suppliers and ensure that their products are fresh, flavorful, and free from additives and preservatives. They also have a team of experienced butchers who use traditional techniques to cut and prepare meat.

In terms of sustainability, Peoria Packing is committed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact. They use sustainable packaging materials, recycle whenever possible, and donate excess meat to local food banks and charities.

They also work with suppliers who use sustainable and humane farming practices, ensuring that the animals are raised in a healthy and humane way. This not only benefits the animals but also results in higher-quality meat products.

Overall, Peoria Packing is committed to providing high-quality, sustainable meat products that customers can feel good about purchasing and consuming.

Community Involvement

Peoria Packing is deeply involved in the community and is committed to giving back in a variety of ways. They support local organizations and charities, particularly those focused on hunger relief and food insecurity.

They regularly donate excess meat products to local food banks and shelters, and they have partnered with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Salvation Army to help provide meals to those in need. In addition to these efforts, Peoria Packing also supports local schools and sports teams and participates in local events and festivals.

Peoria Packing also prioritizes hiring from within the community, providing employment opportunities for local residents and supporting the local economy. They are committed to creating a positive impact both within and beyond their store walls.

Overall, Peoria Packing’s community involvement is a reflection of their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. By supporting local organizations and giving back to the community, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them.

Conclusion

I highly encourage readers to try Peoria Packing’s products and learn more about the company’s history and values. Peoria Packing has been a staple of the Chicago meat industry for over 90 years and has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality, fresh meat products.

Their commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices sets them apart from other meat suppliers, and they take pride in sourcing their meat from trusted, reputable suppliers. Peoria Packing also offers a wide range of meat products to suit every taste and preference, from beef and pork to poultry and game meat.

If you’re interested in learning more about Peoria Packing’s history and values, I encourage you to visit their website or even stop by their retail store in Chicago. They also offer butchery classes for those who want to learn more about meat cutting and preparation.

Overall, Peoria Packing is a company that values quality, sustainability, and community, and I highly recommend trying their products and supporting its mission.