Tucked away off East 14th St. and Park, is a business that has been providing the local community with quality meat products for over 30 years. Chico Locker and Sausage Company is not only a well-loved favorite amongst the city of Chico, but has won both state and national awards for their savory products. Though it started out as a custom slaughter and processing plant, over the years they have expanded their business to include a full service deli as well.
The business was originally purchased in 1965 by Russell Dewey, however by 1981 was bought by his son David. Today, David Dewey and his wife Linda have significantly expanded the business. They provide custom slaughter services for the area; butchering, smoking and packaging meat products either purchased through the Junior Livestock program or wild game like deer or elk from local hunters. They do not provide products for wholesale, or package products for others to sell commercially, but name any type meat cut you can think of and I’m sure they have it available. Of course they have both their award-winning ham and turkey available, but they also have quite the selection of steaks, pork chops and chicken, even buffalo products. For those of you getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day, you can pre-order yourself a nice slab of corned beef for the festivities.
Chico Locker and Sausage Co. opened up their deli a few years after David and Linda took over ownership and has become a thriving and integral part of the business. They offer a variety of sandwiches at a reasonable price, including daily specials such as their ever-popular tri-tip sandwiches served on Fridays, that bring in customers in droves. And if your timing is right, you might even get to try out some new concoctions that Linda comes up with (Ham salad sandwiches, yum!). Besides their delectable sandwiches, they offer different soups each day, jerky, potato salad and spice rubs and other marinades for barebeque connoisseurs. Sausage is also one of their best-selling products, with over 50 different varieties of fresh and smoked sausages available.
With all that they have to offer, it’s no wonder that Chico Locker and Sausage Co. gets national recognition. As part of the American Association of Meat Processors, Chico Locker has entered and won contests for best in show, as well as made it in the Cured Meats Hall of Fame in 2001. On the local front, Chico Locker’s first year of participation in Taste of Chico proved to be a raging success as well; one that we hope will be a repeat performance. Though there have been many accomplishments, Dave says that the most memorable moment will always be that first Bone-in Ham award won in Nashville, TN. These national competitions are judged by specialists in the meat industry and competitors range from mom-and-pop shops to the best-and-biggest in the industry, so to be recognized as a top competitor is quite an achievement.
Chico Locker and Sausage Co. deli is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday—Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Those interested in their custom slaughter service can call to make an appointment at 530-343-7370 or stop by the shop at 196 E. 14th St.
By Jess Krager
