The History of Maplewood Meats: A Legacy of Quality and Tradition
Founding and Early Days
Maplewood Packing Inc., now widely known as Maplewood Meats, was founded in 1983 by Roger and Patricia Van Hemelryk in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The inception of this iconic establishment is deeply rooted in the rich history of the local meatpacking industry. Roger Van Hemelryk had honed his skills working at Armour Meats & Company in Green Bay until its closure in 1980. Seeing a void in the community for a quality custom processing service, the Van Hemelryk's were inspired to create something special—a business dedicated to offering high-quality meats and exceptional customer service.
With Roger’s extensive knowledge of the meatpacking industry, combined with his wife Pat’s deep connection to butchery (her father was a local butcher), the decision to open their own facility seemed a natural progression. They envisioned a place where local farmers could receive top-notch custom processing services, and where the community could access fresh, high-quality meat products.
Growth and Expansion
Maplewood Meats began its journey as a small, family-run business, offering custom fabrication processing of beef and pork. Initially, the facility was a modest 3,400 square feet with a single ten-foot retail case. Roger was joined by his daughter Lisa, son Dave, and daughter-in-law Vicki, who all played pivotal roles in the company’s early development. Together, they added a retail case to offer fresh cuts to walk-in customers, marking the beginning of Maplewood Meats’ expansion into retail.
The company’s commitment to quality quickly garnered attention. By word of mouth, news of their superior meats and exceptional customer service spread throughout the Green Bay area. As demand grew, so did the business. Over the years, Maplewood Meats underwent four major expansions, transforming from its humble beginnings into a 35,000 square foot facility. Today, the store boasts over 85 feet of full-service retail cases, along with a large self-service cooler and freezer area, accommodating the needs of a growing customer base.
A Commitment to Quality
Maplewood Meats has always stayed true to its roots, emphasizing the importance of quality in every product they offer. In addition to fresh cuts of beef, pork, and poultry, the company has developed a complete line of award-winning cured meats and sausages. Every ham, bacon, and fresh or smoked sausage is crafted on-site using timeless techniques passed down through generations. Products are made from only the highest quality fresh cuts of meat, combined with carefully selected fresh spice blends, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as it is authentic.
The Van Hemelryk family also recognized the importance of serving the hunting community. Maplewood Meats provides year-round deer and wild game processing for hunters from across the country, crafting a variety of wild game sausages that have become a staple for many.
A Tradition of Service
From the very beginning, Maplewood Meats has held fast to its founding principles. The company’s slogan, “Let us serve you the old fashioned way,” reflects a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. It’s a philosophy that has guided the company through decades of growth and change, and it remains at the heart of everything they do.
As Maplewood Meats continues to serve the Green Bay community and beyond, the Van Hemelryk family’s legacy lives on—a testament to their dedication to crafting the finest meats and delivering unparalleled service. Whether you’re a retail patron, a hunter, or simply a lover of quality meats, Maplewood Meats invites you to experience the tradition that has made them a beloved institution for over 40 years.