Our Legacy

Nolechek’s Meats began as the Thorp Locker Plant & Soda Fountain, purchased in 1948 by William F. ‘Doc’ Nolechek. Doc came to Thorp in 1915 and practiced veterinary medicine until his retirement in 1950. He was an entrepreneur, building three gas stations in the area; owned Royal Oil Company and Central Refrigeration; and was involved in the early days of Thorp Finance and served as mayor of Thorp.

In 1952, Doc and Ruth’s only son, Bill, graduated from Michigan State with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, returning to Thorp. Bill and Dolores were wed in 1954 and began their family. Along the way, Bill began developing and acquiring recipes for ham, bacon, and sausage. In the early 1970s, Bill purchased the bacon cure recipe and added the honey to create our most well-known and beloved product.

On January 2nd 1974, the business was incorporated and Nolechek’s Meats became the official name. Throughout the years, all seven of the Nolechek children grew up working in the business; and Bill, Kelly, and Jennifer dedicated their careers to upholding the family tradition. In 1992, Bill and Dolores transitioned the business to their sons, Bill and Kelly. Over the next two decades the brothers dedicated themselves to ensuring the business moved forward. Their focus was upholding the reputation of Nolechek’s product and maintaining the high standards developed by their father, Bill.

In 2014, Bill’s daughter, Lindsey, returned to the business and the team has since focused on the future of the business, while embracing the history and legacy that has been passed down over the years. In April 2017, Nolechek’s became a USDA inspected facility, achieving a goal that was over two decades in the making. Nolechek’s has since been recognized by the German Butcher’s Association DFV-AAMP Quality Competition for Sausage and Ham, in 2017 and 2019, earning a total of nine gold medals and one silver for our most popular products.

In September 2019, Kelly’s son, Chad, returned to the team and brings with him a decade of knowledge and experience as a Master Meat Crafter. In January 2020, Bill retired, and Lindsey purchased his portion of the business, officially becoming a fourth-generation owner of a family business. Throughout the years, quality and consistency of our product, along with customer service, have remained the central focus of what we do. This has allowed us to continue sharing Nolechek’s story with people who appreciate quality, gourmet products. As Nolechek’s moves into the fourth generation, we are optimistic about our future and are confident that the products we expertly craft are second to none.