The owners of Hermann Wurst Haus are expanding their reach after purchasing Central Missouri Meat and Sausage Co. and the Barnyard Smokehouse in Fulton.
Mike and Lynette Sloan purchased the businesses from Cory Hawkins and are initiating a slow transition to their own brand. The couple said customers will experience the changes taking place from one week to the next, with a grand opening and open house for the sister store planned for June 3-4. The event is set to feature samples, specials, meat bundles and the opportunity to meet the owners and staff.
Mike Sloan, a three-time Hall of Fame wurstmeister with five decades of experience in the meat and sausage business, said the popular spot would remain small and streamlined under the new owners.
"With the recent disruptions in our food supply chains from COVID-19, lack of employees, fuel supplies and a thousand other things, everyone needs to learn to be more self-reliant to feed and take care of their families, friends and neighbors. We also know that the shorter the food chain, the less breakage in that chain should occur. That is why our commitment to this investment is real, necessary and important to the surrounding communities," he said in a statement. "The largest meat processors in the world will always have meat to sell to the largest meat retailers in the world. We are not on that list."
The Fulton Wurst Haus features updated menus through the winter but will continue serving barbecue staples like ribs, pork burgers and brisket. German items like kraut, bologna, Reubens and bratwursts are also mainstays of the business along with Friday night seafood buffets, all-you-can-eat breakfasts and a wide selection of fresh beef products.
The retail store portion will also feature seven flavors of craft beer, 10 flavors of summer sausage and 12 kinds of bacon along with wines, jellies, sodas and more.
The processing plant is set to receive its own upgrade with new refrigerator equipment, while livestock will be purchased from local farmers for the Fulton and Hermann stores.
Fulton Wurst Haus will be located at 5009 Pendergras Road in Fulton.