If you haven’t noticed all the changes in Woodburn, now would be a great time to visit the small community just a couple of miles west of the Indiana/Ohio state line off of US 24. New manufacturing, truckstops, and much more have recently graced the small city. The newest business to open its doors is called Feders Country Meats & Produce.
The new retail store is a specialty food store specializing in fresh meats, cut to your liking and opened on Friday, November 6th. The store is located just behind where Brenneke’s Grocery Store (and for a short time Woodburn Fresh Foods) building was situated.
When the grocery store in Woodburn closed several years ago, it left a large gap in the economy and forced people to look outside their town for food and necessities. Some citizens were already shopping outside in places like Fort Wayne because prices may have been cheaper. Shopping locally allows people to have easy access, especially for those where traveling is difficult, such as the elderly.
But shopping locally is not the only reason to check out Feders. They offer local, high quality meats that large box stores can’t compete with, much of it being imported. Feders offers specialty cuts from their own crew trained in the arts of butchering. Your regular meats are offered: beef, pork, chicken, and turkey… but have you tried bison, lamb, rabbit, or duck? Your friends may think you are odd for being different and trying something you haven’t before. Don’t let them hinder you from thinking independently. It is different. Bison is all-American. There are people who refer to it as buffalo, but bison are not related to the Asian or African buffalo. The American Bison only reside in North America and what is sold at Feders is specifically from Colorado. At one time the creature was within a dozen or two from extinction from the 19th century hunters. It has recovered so well that it’s now off the federal endangered species list and sold in your local Feders market.
“We did this because of the needs here in Woodburn. Industry has been driving and moving in, and we felt it’s time for Woodburn to have their own meat and produce store once again.” Joe Malfait stated. He continues, “Our goal is quality, good prices, carrying local meats and produce.” The process of starting a new retail business is not easy. Joe is the owner and explained the delays to the West Bend News about Feders Country Meats & Produce. It’s been several years in the making, from ideas to finally opening the doors.
In the construction of the facility housing the business, Joe said they used local businesses to complete the process. It wouldn’t have been possible without help from Gerbers Electric, Well’s Heating and Cooling, Quality Plumbing Solutions, Wilmer Lengacher, and Schmucker Concrete.
This new store is bringing about 14 new jobs to the area. The store manager is Michelle Federspiel. Alex and Daniel Federspiel are also helping out and have much experience after working with their father at their family’s meat processing center in Huntertown. Christie Johnson is also working their as head of the deli and produce section. That’s right, you can’t get your sandwiches right at the deli with tables to sit at!
Along with the fresh cut meats Feders will have fresh fish from Lake Erie on Fridays.
“I wanted to give something for the community. Many people have helped me through the years, and I want to do the same,” says Joe. He has invested quite a bit in making this a reality, even from his own farm.
Other featured items here at Feders includes over 100 varieties of cheeses, 50 varieties of Secular’s Picles, 20 Different Deli Meats to chose from and over 50 varieties of produce.
Feders is a welcome site for Woodburn and surrounding communities!
